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Creamy Bacon Jalapeno Mac n Cheese

creamy bacon jalapeno mac n cheese - featured image
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A bubbling, velvety mac n cheese rich with creamy cheddar, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeno slices. Perfect comfort food with a grown-up twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warm
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 jalapenos, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Keep stirring until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni and stir until pasta is fully coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mac n cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with crumbled bacon, sliced jalapenos, and breadcrumbs (if using).
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are golden and mac n cheese is bubbling.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

[‘Cook pasta al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.’, ‘Use freshly shredded cheese for the best sauce consistency.’, ‘Remove jalapeno seeds for less heat or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.’, ‘Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick before mixing with pasta.’, ‘Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac n cheese, bacon, jalapeno, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-bacon-jalapeno-mac-n-cheese-recipe-you-must-try/