Jalapeño and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Savory mac and cheese made with lots of diced jalapeños, crispy diced bacon, then topped with smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Saute
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
8 strips of bacon, diced
5 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and diced
1 jalapeño pepper, sliced and seeds removed
3 cups dry macaroni noodles
3 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3 cups light cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 and 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnishing
1 cup shredded cheese (I used a blend of both pepper jack and Cheddar)
Smoked paprika
Sliced jalapeños
Optional: If you want it spicy add a few dashes of cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. In a large frying pan cook the diced bacon for about 6-7 minutes. Add the diced peppers and continue to cook until the bacon is cooked through and crispy. If your peppers release too much water, carefully use a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture. The total cook time will vary, for me I needed to cook the bacon a total of 20 minutes for the crispiness I like. Once done, carefully reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease then use a slotted spatula and remove to a paper towel lined plate then clean out the pan.
2. While the bacon and peppers are cooking, preheat your oven to 350 and boil the salted water and cook the macaroni according to box directions, drain and set aside. You can add a bit of water or oil to prevent the noodles from sticking.
3. When the bacon and peppers are done and you’ve cleaned out the pan, add the reserved tablespoon of bacon grease and the butter and melt over medium heat then whisk in the flour.
4. Pour in the light cream, and whisk so the roux blends completely into the cream. Cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes to thicken.
5. Reduce heat to low, add the garlic powder and salt, then add in the shredded cheese a little at a time and completely blend into the sauce.
6. Once the sauce is totally smooth turn off the heat and mix in the macaroni noodles. Lastly, mix in the cooked bacon and peppers.
7. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, then pour in the mac and cheese. Top with the extra cheese and slices of jalapeños. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and if you want it spicy add some cayenne pepper.
8. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, then place under the broiler until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Serve right away for best cheesy consistency!