Jalapeno Bacon Macaroni + Cheese

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Here’s one of my favorites recipe: Jalapeno bacon Macaroni + Cheese. The cheese is super rich + creamy, thanks to 3 different cheeses – cheddar, pepper jack + cream cheese – with just the right amount of spicy heat from the peppers, + a perfect salty bite from the bacon.

I served it as a side dish alongside grilled hamburgers + asparagus, but it’s hearty enough that it could easily be a main dish unto itself. And, it makes enough for delicious, easy-to-reheat leftovers, which is always an extra bonus for me!

Jalapeno Bacon Macaroni + Cheese

Super rich and creamy macaroni and cheese with jalapenos, bacon, and three cheeses. Serves as a side or main dish.

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Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• kosher salt
• 1 pound short pasta such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or bowties – i used trottole
• 4 pieces of bacon diced
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons) butter
• 4 jalapeno peppers; seeds + ribs removed finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• freshly ground pepper + kosher salt to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons butter

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the saucepan.
3. Add 3 tablespoons butter, the chopped jalapenos, onion, and garlic to the saucepan and cook until softened, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
5. Add the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and add the cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stir together the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and bacon bits, stir to combine, and transfer to a casserole dish.
8. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and toss with the panko breadcrumbs to coat. Sprinkle over the casserole.
9. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.