What's in the Fridge: Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese | Basics with Babish

This week, we're doing something a little crazy. If you're taking the time to read the video description, hell I'll just be real with you: I've been in a creative slump the past few months, and since making some work-life changes, have been feeling a ton of new energy. Yesterday I had a wild hair up my ass and I realized that even though we had no Basics shot for today, I was hell-bent on getting one done anyway. So we decided to improvise, and what resulted was a lovely creative exercise in resourcefulness, one that kept me glued to my edit suite until 2AM like I was back in film school. I hope you find it a little entertaining, a little fun, a little both - thank you for watching, because not only was it fun for all of us to make, it gave me some space to feel like myself again.
00:00 Intro
01:23 Fridge Raid
03:28 Jalepeño Popper Mac & Cheese
07:53 Bloops
Babish Cookware on Amazon: bit.ly/babishstore
Recipe: basicswithbabish.co/basicsepi...
My playlist of preferred cooking tunes, Bangers with Babish!
spoti.fi/2TYXmiY
BCU TikTok: bit.ly/2PLtohe
Binging With Babish Website: bit.ly/BingingBabishWebsite
Basics With Babish Website: bit.ly/BasicsWithBabishWebsite
BCU Discord: bit.ly/3ALFRnY
Patreon: bit.ly/BingingPatreon
Instagram: bit.ly/BabishInstagram
Subreddit: bit.ly/3mkNpp6
Facebook: bit.ly/BabishFacebook
Twitter: bit.ly/BabishTwitter

[@realkingofantarctica]

"Bumbling with Babish" is a series that needs to continue.

[@hailtothevic]

YES!!!! This series needs to happen every week!

[@ShempHoward2]

Babbling with Bumbish

[@gruggerduggerhoose]

And if its not the best tasting, Bungled with Babish

[@alakererani6524]

yeah, maybe once a month

[@carallenaanderson7856]

Genius

[@ExemplarKyle]

It's strangely reassuring to see that even professionals can have science projects in the forgotten corners of their fridges.

[@kaldo_kaldo]

To be fair, his is there because he went on vacation. You and I are just lazy

[@azelynhirano7737]

@@kaldo_kaldo Those stuff were there for months before they went on vacation though

[@heatherrockwell9012]

*Flashbacks to Brad's cured egg yolks*

[@ExemplarKyle]

*flashback to the Cowboy Bebop episode Toys In The Attic*

[@dmitrybahrt9227]

Professional 😂😂😂😂 ya right

[@darkoakleaves3300]

This is such a cool idea! Would love to see this series continued.

[@Breadstixxistaken]

Same here!

[@AndreJNick]

Ya when I read the title I thought "ok we're getting out of basics territory here." But no this concept is about as basic and useful as it gets

[@PaulSkySwitzer]

This is the real "Basics with Babish". It's X hours until dinner and I don't have anything prepped....

[@gabrielwings5089]

BUMP

[@Dan016]

I would imagine where this series would happen maybe once or twice a month where groceries are running low and you still have to find something to make quick and easy

[@cozyeden]

I hope this inspires a series! I love recipes that are thrown together with leftover ingredients

[@zacstarkey1369]

^^^^^^^^

[@pierre-lucboucher3222]

^^^^^

[@luanmoraes1272]

^^^^^^^^

[@Venom_snake417]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[@Bia-mp6mi]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (because, apparently, that is the only possible response to Eden)

[@jellymanjones]

This is real cooking, not having anything but still slapping something delicious together😂👌

[@dianapovero7319]

Guys he went for milk & more american cheese, count the slices, life is always eaier with a crew, props to the ream that made this look so easy.

[@JayFreely]

@@dianapovero7319 this looks easy because it IS easy. Are you kidding? The dude just made mac and cheese

[@jacobLR4]

A seasoning basics would be cool. Making different mixes that can pair with several dishes or proteins with various cultural cuisine themes. And how much is the average pinch of salt? Test everyone’s “pinch volume” in the babish kitchen and maybe some other KZbin friends too. I know season to taste is the way to go… but, content

[@HonkYeahArson]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS THIS WOULD BE SO COOL

[@DaKuteCate]

I needs this, please do this

[@mmori673]

it would be so cool if they got a group of youtube chefs together to test pinch volumes and stuff. maybe make it a competition

[@jasonblalock4429]

For the record, he's totally right about American singles. Don't use them for the "flavor." But they're kind of magical when tossed into a savory sauce, like for noodles, or soups and stews. They add a little creaminess, while also encouraging everything to bind together.

[@willnedds8077]

It's the sodium citrate, which is an amazing, food-safe emulsifier.

[@einstienbc]

Also probably the reason he didn't get a nice cheese stretch.

[@SirChrisThompson]

I once saw a video where J. Kenji Lopez-Alt said, "If sausage is considered meat, then American cheese can be considered cheese," and it just about blew my danged mind.

[@battlecubes4762]

So what you're telling me is that they are the duck tape of food

[@joshua.alvane]

For an even better idea, pick up some American cheese at the deli for this. Don't just use Crystal Farms or Kraft wrapped in cellophane.

[@curlalot7623]

This was great! I usually find I’m lacking ingredients, so more “what’s in the fridge”s would be awesome!

[@kaldo_kaldo]

Yep.I can make great food when I plan. My weakness is when I haven't made a plan and I have to throw together something from what I already have.

[@ryand5436]

That's adulting. My aunt always complains how she plays "chopped" every night and was never given any money for it.

[@haranjames]

look up the website supercook, you can add whatever ingredients you have and itll tell you a bunch of things you can make

[@felicitylange1606]

I second this

[@TheTrueBaconator]

This is a fun idea. Can't wait to see more!

[@leafygreen9045]

A year or two ago did u go to Portsmouth in England because I swear I saw u and your girlfriend in a red car …

[@Cobalt360Degrees]

Honestly, I love this idea. It's not exactly the 'Broke with Babish' budget meals some of us have been asking for, but getting more content with more improvised or leftover quick meal ideas would definitely be appreciated! :D

[@NadiaSeesIt]

Enough with the broke with babish. There are hundreds of budget cooking channels. Hasn't the man given you enough? This is for people who want to elevate their cooking

[@NathanTAK]

If you want that might I recommend Adam Ragusea? Unlike Babish, he's actually self-aware.

[@topsyturvy1097]

@@NathanTAK wym by babbish isn't self aware? Did he do something wrong?

[@notbryce9411]

A last minute put together episode still comes out as a better quality video then most cooking channels on KZbin

[@JuMiKu]

No wonder. This video category is overrun by content farms more focused on making visually interesting clickbait-viseos than replicable recipes.

[@drewb5775]

@@JuMiKu as well as special people like Heston…

[@audrey2498]

@@JuMiKu exactly why i respect babish so much

[@enfjftw]

Immediately into this idea. As a person who watches and follows lots of recipe videos I'm not very practiced at "improvisational" and "use up what's left" cooking, so it would be super cool to see more examples of that

[@actualturtle2421]

Honestly, this is one of the best basics episodes because it shows that you can make something cool out of whatever you have laying around and you don't have to do a "recipe." You can just make it up as you go along and end up at a satisfying destination.

[@patcrane7262]

Gotta love the complete lack of hesitation between smelling the cilantro and tossing it away.

[@TheSaoran97441]

I like this concept! What you could do is make it a monthly/bi-monthly thing, where you check what's left of the episodes and think up something :)

[@devoncormier5490]

Please, more of this. It’s all to relatable for a lot of people.

[@LimeEffy]

Hey I think a bot stole your comment

[@devoncormier5490]

Yep, yep they did..

[@maddieboehm5424]

My culinary secret that I'm so proud of, I cut my scallions in thin strips and roast them on a super low heat until they're dry, I then grind them into a powder and it's a super amazing flavor booster

[@TikachooYT]

I love these unedited/voice over videos. They just seem more authentic and.. Well.. Down right hilarious! 😂

[@anri6060]

2:01 Andrew's reaction when he smelled the cilantro 😭 Love this concept! Would be great to see it grow into a regular series.

[@LuciaLaVA]

I love how this video has the cursed chaos of botched along with the genuinely informative quality of basics, need more

[@judeswrld5218]

I honestly would love to see more of this.

[@HabitualPixels]

Love this idea for a show Babby. I always struggle with using up leftovers. More of this please.

[@AndrewErickson52]

This is my formal request for a chopped style episode where Kendall and Jess go to the store and bring you back a surprise ingredient that you need to make edible

[@cnduct2216]

Big fan of this episode, I've always wondered what a series of this kind would look like. Once a month mish mash of previous episodes leftovers made into something yummy. Hope you make another one!

[@carterdmorgan]

The transition from Normal Babish to Voiceover Babish at 3:40 is jarring, to say the least.

[@pAWNproductionsDE]

I'd love to see a series where viewers/patrons submit a list of things in the fridges and you pick one st random to see what you can make with it

[@nataliemifflin5106]

This isn't what we normally get from the basics series, but I think it gets right to the heart of what "basic" really means in the kitchen

[@noahsmith5719]

I used the old Babish ( and JW) Mac and cheese vids to develop my own jalapeño popper Mac and cheese! I’m eager to see how it compares to this one!

[@prog00017]

I do love these behind the scenes bits, also makes for an easier to replicate recipe for most home cooks.

[@easygoingdude9990]

This is actually pretty brilliant. I would love to watch more like this you guys. Take more holidays or something

[@ozbusa]

Fell off my chair laughing.. "enter from the rear" with millisecond pause.. Gold.

[@fiatdfan]

The music in these videos is the most comforting background music I have ever listened to

[@asamio1260]

This feels like a Botched and Basics crossover and I'm here for it!

[@newblue7183]

Thanks for your dedication to our basic knowledge 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@rabbitttz]

It’s more fun when you’re casual about everything!

[@caitlinevans1054]

I would love to see this format return! It would be a fun thing to see every once in a while. Very fun video!

[@JuanWayTrips]

Could now see this becoming a new series. I loved it.

[@fruitymilky7310]

Best thing is, I've been craving for some Mac and cheese, store bought and restaurant made hasn't been doing my tastebuds any justice 😭

[@wereling]

I really love the idea of this episode. Seeing ways to use leftovers and pantry staples is always interesting.

[@kaitlin9288]

I love how you and the team basically filmed a serious (and well-executed) version of the "Technically a Meal" sketch from CollegeHumor

[@hannahvee3497]

How this hasn't happen before is astonishing! So down for this to be a series!! ❤️

[@MD0Hatter]

Definitely had fun watching! Would love to see more impromptu recipes.

[@willow2946]

Please more! love this, especially love the improv live audio stuff, makes it a lot more relatable and chill :)

[@hannahcampbell4409]

Its always a delight to watch your videos. Thanks for doing your best.

[@LPDarkSoulsHD]

4:43 had me in tears 😂😂. Great series idea!! Hoping to see more of this.

[@gtv1909]

Spicy Mac and Cheese? YES PLEASE!! 😋

[@Broley0404]

The absolute best idea for a cooking show ever invented. Keep this rocking with other peoples kitchens and equipment

[@destanyj9437]

please do more of this. very practical and real. I love it

[@EldaverD]

I'd love to see more basics in this style, that also show the types of things you're keeping an eye out for or considering as you parse through ingredients.

[@thatperson2537]

I genuinely hope this becomes a thing. Loved this episode!

[@grishhung2828]

Please do more of this. I think we can all relate to this kind of last minute cooking. This was awesome.

[@innenkosnarukami2450]

I love this Improvising a meal based on what random ingredients you have readily available is a really useful skill.

[@RLeem7b5]

What was an unforeseen set of circumstances turned out to be a potentially great new series! I hope to see more of it :)

[@GsFoodSecrets]

I know you've done ratatouille from Ratatouille, but I'd love to see more recipes from that movie. Remy's soup, sweet bread a la Gusteau/Remy (make both versions to compare how much Remy improved it), cake from the garbage, etc

[@jmorrissey2798]

love the resourcefulness episode style! always helpful to learn how to figure out stuff to make from nothing!

[@omegamkx588]

This was a great episode, would love to see you do something like this every once in awhile

[@kanaboshii]

Please recreate Ralsei’s cake from deltarune

[@GringanMexico]

This was super fun, I hope you make it an every-vacation challenge tradition! Nice to see you smile, goof, and even mess up a lil bit like us normal folk.

[@austin18mclaren]

"When you're making a cooking show, you wanna sort of enter from the rear." Nice one.

[@bradleyatom]

5:05 "Add the pasta of our choice. I really recommend rigatoni because it's all we had." Truer words have never been spoken.

[@ImsenCooking]

love how your BCU channel evolved over the years 🥰

[@Larathen]

This should be a once a month series so that it keeps the idea fresh since you guys go through ingredients a lot.

[@MrSomeguy5]

Love the idea to become a series! Please make more❤️

[@ayiyiloveyou]

i would love a series like these, mostly cause it can inspire people to just toss things together

[@davidh5294]

Please keep this going! Love the idea and the fact you showed your imperfections. Who doesn’t have some moldy citrus 🤣

[@AustinCharisma]

Make peas in a can pie from spongebob

[@sethbucy]

Looks amazing- thank you for sharing!

[@GsFoodSecrets]

Been eating these my whole life, glad to see them being introduced to the world 🇨🇴

[@magnuskarpakis]

6:54 I laughed so hard 🤣🤣🤣

[@austincde]

pregnant pause 🙈

[@orthwhit]

This is so helpful. I love this series.

[@wattyven]

Glad to hear that the production process made you feel better again! Loved it!

[@tentrilliconlp7748]

Sausage Casing? Is the crossover with Ordinary Sausage finally coming?

[@mcdrums87]

Well I think you stumbled onto a great idea. Being able to throw together a meal with ingredients you have definitely counts as "basics" (IMO). Could even rope Kendall into an episode for advice when you're not scrambling to post a video 😂

[@russellchamp]

This was a great episode. I hope you do more. I do this some days coming back from work with no dinner plans in mind.

[@scarlettbat]

great! loved it! super chill and fun, and something i would love to make, esp. since i have almost all the ingredients tooooo!!

[@christiankeyes9191]

Looks like I’m making this later!

[@wolfingitdown2047]

Man, if I had a dollar for every time I forgot to use my left over caviar 😂

[@Matthewbraaten]

I like this casual thrown together style

[@danielleculler1495]

We need more chaos like this. Please. This year demands it.

[@zachcallos2869]

I want this, in my belly, like rn

[@saidlara720]

and bro hasnt even finished video yet

[@Julian-gt8lw]

Please do the Steak and Donut Sandwich from Family Guy.

[@jedijew]

You've become that big! I love it. I love the fact that you can just relax. And just create an experience that you, and we all love.

[@Whatishappening32]

I think we've all been in a slump the last few months! I'm glad you're feeling better! 😊

[@frogpaste]

I love this, but I have a question. What makes this Jalapeño *Popper* Mac & Cheese, and not just Jalapeño Mac & Cheese?

[@DavidTokugi44]

The cream cheese?

[@kimwilliams8834]

Cream cheese and bacon

[@devinbudewig7760]

Jalapeño poppers are an appetizer made with bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. I guess the addition of the bacon and cream cheese makes it a proper Popper Mac.

[@frogpaste]

@@devinbudewig7760 Proper popper mac. That's fun to say. Proper popper mac. Proper popper mac.

[@emilyelizabethbuchanan998]

@@frogpaste Ok now you've got me trying it out loud. That is funny.

[@seanfrancisdeasis4210]

ain’t ever been this early before

[@sethherdt6126]

This is an invaluable exercise for anybody who cooks, professionally or domestically.

[@tonyluiscomedy]

Man for a thrown together episode this is really entertaining. Keeping it casual here and there is really nice.

[@rohanhegde4130]

First

[@Fartucus]

No

[@bleepblop]

True

[@newblue7183]

Confirmed

[@hahahahahahahahaa6580]

Wow, "first" comment that's *actually* first.

[@vetteman75]

yes! this brings back the old babish magic. do more of this!

[@KevinGarcia-cn8rt]

Always rediscover my love for cooking after watching your videos 😌👍🏽

[@joshbirnbaum4733]

This was a great change of pace then the regular basics in babish hope you do more versions of this

[@clintsimmons3122]

An amazing dish, just "thrown together", nice. Funny too.

[@phortis37]

The appearance of that cast iron skillet makes me feel loads better about myself. Thanks for that.

[@TheTravisNewton]

This feels natural and less forced! A fun video, dude. Great work.

[@ObsceneSanity]

I actually like the idea behind this episode. Would love to see more of it.

[@Lord_Malkior]

Great video as always, despite the setbacks. My favorite moments on this channel always include the behind the scene chaos.

[@gracevox2187]

Hands down a perfect example of that Rea charm Glad to have you back Chef!

[@erickruckenberg8716]

Andy: “Cilantro.” Also Andy: *YEET!!!*

[@salyndalindyhogsett2804]

This is great! you should totally make this a spinoff series of basics!

[@drenden1228]

loved the idea, want more and would enjoy more bloopers :)