Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese

Name: Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz dried pasta (I use medium shells or cavatappi); 10 slice bacon; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, small dice; 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced; 2 clove garlic, pressed or minced; 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 3/4 c chicken broth; 1/2 c half and half or heavy cream (I use a mix); 1/4 c softened cream cheese; 8 oz brick pepper jack, grated; salt and pepper

By Diane Rodriguez
@dianeluvsparties

Creamy with loads of bacon. Just the right amount of heat. Definitely not for every day, but it's a wonderful treat!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Cheesy, creamy and smoky, this not a traditional macaroni and cheese recipe. We really loved the bits of bacon throughout the mac and cheese. The jalapeno adds a mild spice, but it's not overwhelming. When looking for a special treat for the family, make sure to add this recipe to your menu. Creamy and delicious! The Test Kitchen

Rating:

★★★★★ 1 vote5

Comments:

4 Comments

Serves:

Prep:

30 Min

Method:

Stove Top

Ingredients

12 oz

dried pasta (I use medium shells or cavatappi)
10 slice

bacon
1 Tbsp

butter
1 medium

onion, small dice
1 small

jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 clove

garlic, pressed or minced
3 Tbsp

all-purpose flour
3/4 c

chicken broth
1/2 c

half and half or heavy cream (I use a mix)
1/4 c

softened cream cheese
8 oz

brick pepper jack, grated
·

salt and pepper
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How to Make Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese

Step-by-Step

Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Set aside on a paper lined plate to cool, then chop.
While bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain. Rinse so it doesn't stick together and set aside.
Add the butter to the bacon drippings. When the butter melts, add in the onion and jalapeno. Cook until soft.
Add the minced garlic and cook another minute or so, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the flour to the skillet. Stir and cook just for a minute. Add in the chicken broth and half/half or cream. Bring up to a simmer, stirring until sauce thickens.
Once sauce thickens, add in the cream cheese and pepper jack. Stir until melted.
Add in the cooked pasta and stir to coat all the pasta. Add in the chopped bacon and stir. Adjust seasonings with the salt and pepper and serve.