bacon and pepper jack mac & cheese

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

★★★★★ 3

Bacon and pepper jack mac & cheese poured into a serving bowl.

review

By Diane Rodriguez

@dianeluvsparties

from Chesterton, IN

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 @kitchencrew

►

★★★★★ 3

serves 4

prep time 30 Min

method Stove Top

Ingredients For bacon and pepper jack mac & cheese

12 oz

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

bacon
1 Tbsp

butter
1 md

onion, small dice
1 sm

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

How To Make bacon and pepper jack mac & cheese

1
Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Set aside on a paper lined plate to cool, then chop.

2
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.
3
Add the butter to the bacon drippings. When the butter melts, add in the onion and jalapeno. Cook until soft.
4
Add the minced garlic and cook another minute or so, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5
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.
6
Once sauce thickens, add in the cream cheese and pepper jack. Stir until melted.
7
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.
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