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decadent shrimp and bacon mac and cheese

★★★★★ 1
DenverJones avatar
a recipe by
Ann JONES
@DenverJones
Geneva, IL

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!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
►
★★★★★ 1
serves 10
prep time 20 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For decadent shrimp and bacon mac and cheese

  • 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

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • 2
    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.
  • 3
    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.
  • 4
    Pour sauce over the pasta, add the bacon, jalapeno and shrimp and stir until well combined.Pour the pasta mixture into the dish.
  • 5
    Toss breadcrumbs together with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over pasta. Bake in pre-heated oven until top is golden, about 30 minutes.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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