Chipotle Mac and Cheese is a creamy, smoky twist on classic comfort food, made with cheddar, mozzarella, bacon and a touch of chipotle heat. Baked until golden and bubbling, it's the perfect easy dinner or crowd-pleasing side dish.

chipotle mac and cheese with breadcrumbs

Mac and cheese is one of those dishes that never goes out of style, but this Chipotle Mac and Cheese takes it to a whole new level.

It's creamy, smoky, a little spicy and topped with a golden, crunchy layer of Panko breadcrumbs. The chipotle paste brings a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese sauce.

This is a proper comfort food bake, the kind you can serve as an easy weeknight dinner, a side for BBQs, or bring along to a potluck.

I love that you can adjust the spice level, too; you can keep it mild with just a spoonful of chipotle paste, or add extra jalapeños if you like things fiery.

Either way, once you've tried mac and cheese with smoky chipotle, it's really hard to go back to plain.

Why you'll love this Chipotle mac and cheese

Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen.
It's easy to make ahead - just assemble, cover, and bake when you're ready.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, which makes it a great 'cook once, eat twice' recipe.

close up photo of a chipotle mac and cheese

What you'll need

Bacon - I use smoked bacon here to boost the smokiness of the sauce from the start. Slice your bacon into small pieces so they get distributed evenly in the sauce.

Butter & flour - These make the base of the cheese sauce (a roux). Cook the flour for a minute to get rid of the raw taste before adding the milk.

Milk - Regular whole milk works best here for a creamy sauce. It's best for the milk to be warm when making the sauce.

Macaroni - The classic choice for mac and cheese. If you don't have them, any short pasta shape like penne or shells will work.

Chipotle paste - To give the sauce a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. Adjust to taste and keep in mind the heat level might differ from paste to paste.

Jalapeños - Fresh or jarred both work. I love to add them for little pops of heat throughout the sauce.

Cheese - I like a mix of cheddar for that sharp flavor and mozzarella for extra stretchiness. You can use any melty cheese you like here.

Panko breadcrumbs - For that golden, crunchy topping!

Pro tip

Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than directed on the package; otherwise, it may turn mushy because it will continue to cook in the sauce.

How to make Chipotle mac and cheese

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, cook the macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 390°F/200°C.

In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the bacon until crisp, then add the butter.

chipotle mac and cheese making instructions

Once melted, stir in the flour and cook briefly before slowly whisking in the milk to make a smooth, thickened sauce.

Season the sauce with chipotle paste, garlic powder, paprika, jalapeños, salt, and pepper.

adding spices to chipotle mac and cheese

Take it off the heat and stir in the cheeses until creamy, then add the cooked macaroni and mix well.

Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle over Panko breadcrumbs (and extra cheese if you like), then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Substitutions and variations

Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Gouda or Pepper Jack are all great cheese choices for this smoky mac and cheese.
Top with extra bacon and cheese for an even heartier casserole.
If you're in a hurry, you can skip the baking step and serve your mac and cheese straight from the stovetop; it will still be delicious!
If you love a smoky mac, you have to try my brisket mac and cheese next - tender brisket folded into a creamy two-cheddar sauce.

Helpful tips for the best smoky chipotle mac and cheese

Grating your own cheese is best for any mac and cheese. Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly because of anti-caking agents, which can make the sauce grainy.
When making the roux, whisk constantly and add the milk gradually to get a lump-free sauce.
Keep the pot over medium heat; if it's too hot, the sauce can scorch before it thickens.

Leftovers and storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F/175°C until heated through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Mac and cheese doesn't freeze well once baked, as the sauce can split. If you'd like to freeze it, assemble the dish (without the breadcrumb topping), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, then bake as directed.

More easy casserole recipes

If you've tried this Chipotle mac and cheese recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.

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