Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

bacon and pepper jack mac & cheese

(3 ratings)
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Diane Rodriguez
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 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
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

  • Chopped bacon on a paper towel.
    1
    Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Set aside on a paper lined plate to cool, then chop.
  • Draining the cooked pasta.
    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.
  • Cooking onion and jalapeno in a pan.
    3
    Add the butter to the bacon drippings. When the butter melts, add in the onion and jalapeno. Cook until soft.
  • Minced garlic added to the pan.
    4
    Add the minced garlic and cook another minute or so, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Simmering the sauce.
    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.
  • Cream cheese and pepper jack added to the sauce.
    6
    Once sauce thickens, add in the cream cheese and pepper jack. Stir until melted.
  • Cooked pasta and bacon added to the pan.
    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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