Johnny Jalapeno's Jumpin Wagon Wheels Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to spice up your comfort food game with Johnny Jalapeño's Jumpin' Wagon Wheels Macaroni and Cheese! This bold and creamy dish combines fun wagon wheel pasta with a luscious trio of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese for an irresistibly rich sauce. Finely chopped jalapeños and a dash of smoked paprika add a zesty kick, while a golden, crispy topping of panko bread crumbs and Parmesan takes it to the next level. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this baked mac and cheese is great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnish with sliced jalapeños or parsley for flair and serve up a plate of creamy, spicy, and satisfying perfection. A must-try for mac and cheese fans craving something with a Southern-inspired heat!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz wagon wheel pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0 optional: sliced jalapeños or chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the wagon wheel pasta according to package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.

Step 4

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5

Add the chopped jalapeños, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.

Step 6

Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated evenly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta.

Step 8

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional sliced jalapeños or chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1746.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4334.8

Total Fat 244.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 141.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 697.4mg	0%
Sodium 5828.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 378.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 49.8g
Protein 175.3g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 3850.3mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 2335.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 34.3%