Decadent Shrimp and Bacon Mac and Cheese
By
Ann JONES
@DenverJones
8
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.
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! 
Ingredients
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2-1/2 tspsalt, divided
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1 lbdry shell shaped pasta
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5 Tbspunsalted butter, divided
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1 cmedium cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cextra sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cmonterey jack cheese, shredded
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2 tspfresh garlic, peeled and minced
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4 Tbspall purpose flour
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2 cwhole milk
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2 cheavy cream
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1/2 tspblack pepper
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1 cgruyere cheese, grated
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1/2 cbacon, cooked and chopped
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1jalepeno pepper, chopped
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8 ozjumbo shrimp, shelled, de-veined and chopped
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1/2 cfresh bread crumbs
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1/2 cparmesan cheese, grated
How to Make Decadent Shrimp and Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour sauce over the pasta, add the bacon, jalapeno and shrimp and stir until well combined.Pour the pasta mixture into the dish.
- Toss breadcrumbs together with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over pasta. Bake in pre-heated oven until top is golden, about 30 minutes.
