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
Notes from the Test Kitchen:
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!
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
- 2-1/2 tsp
- salt, divided
- 1 lb
- dry shell shaped pasta
- 5 Tbsp
- unsalted butter, divided
- 1 c
- medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 c
- extra sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 c
- monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tsp
- fresh garlic, peeled and minced
- 4 Tbsp
- all purpose flour
- 2 c
- whole milk
- 2 c
- heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp
- black pepper
- 1 c
- gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/2 c
- bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1
- jalepeno pepper, chopped
- 8 oz
- jumbo shrimp, shelled, de-veined and chopped
- 1/2 c
- fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 c
- parmesan cheese, grated
How to Make Decadent Shrimp and Bacon Mac and Cheese
- 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 2Fill 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.
- 3To 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.
- 4Pour sauce over the pasta, add the bacon, jalapeno and shrimp and stir until well combined.Pour the pasta mixture into the dish.
- 5Toss breadcrumbs together with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over pasta. Bake in pre-heated oven until top is golden, about 30 minutes.
About Decadent Shrimp and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Main Ingredient: Pasta
Regional Style: American
Collections: World Food Championships 2015, World Food Championships 2016
