decadent shrimp and bacon mac and cheese

Name: Decadent Shrimp and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-1/2 teaspoon(s) salt, divided; 1 pound(s) dry shell shaped pasta; 5 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, divided; 1 cup(s) medium cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup(s) extra sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup(s) monterey jack cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoon(s) fresh garlic, peeled and minced; 4 tablespoon(s) all purpose flour; 2 cup(s) whole milk; 2 cup(s) heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon(s) black pepper; 1 cup(s) gruyere cheese, grated; 1/2 cup(s) bacon, cooked and chopped; 1 - jalepeno pepper, chopped; 8 ounce(s) jumbo shrimp, shelled, de-veined and chopped; 1/2 cup(s) fresh bread crumbs; 1/2 cup(s) parmesan cheese, grated

(1 RATING)

912 Pinches 4 Photos

Ann JONES

Geneva, IL

Updated on Oct 1, 2015

I created this recipe for my husband. He was convinced he hated mac and cheese. I knew his weaknesses though - cheese, shrimp, bacon, jalapenos. I put these together to make an amazing decadent, dinner party-worthy mac and cheese. He was convinced and is an annual holiday dish that he specifically requests.

Rate

Rich and creamy shrimp and bacon mac and cheese.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This recipe is proof that a good mix of cheeses makes a decadent dish. Add bacon and shrimp to the mix and you have a dish everyone wants seconds (or thirds) of. It's great just the way it is, but if you want to add a bit more bacon and shrimp. I am sure no one will argue with you!

— The Test Kitchen

prep time 20 Min

cook time 30 Min

method Bake

yield 10 serving(s)

Ingredients

2-1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 pound dry shell shaped pasta
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup medium cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup extra sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, peeled and minced
4 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup gruyere cheese, grated
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
1 - jalepeno pepper, chopped
8 ounces jumbo shrimp, shelled, de-veined and chopped
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

How To Make decadent shrimp and bacon mac and cheese

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat; add 1 teaspoon salt and the dry pasta. Return to a boil and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain in a colander, return pasta to the pot and stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Toss in the medium Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Sharp Cheddar cheeses, and set aside.
Step 3

To make a sauce, add 4 tablespoons butter and garlic to a 2-quart saucepan and heat over medium heat, 1 to 2 minutes, or until butter is melted and garlic is softened. Add flour and stir continuously, using a whisk, to combine. Continue to cook over a medium heat and gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Stir continuously to prevent scorching; cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until starting to thicken. Remove from heat, and stir in 1-1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and Gruyere cheese.
Step 4

Pour sauce over the pasta, add the bacon, jalapeno and shrimp and stir until well combined.Pour the pasta mixture into the dish.
Step 5

Toss breadcrumbs together with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over pasta. Bake in pre-heated oven until top is golden, about 30 minutes.
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