BACON AND PEPPER JACK MAC & CHEESE

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Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese image

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!

Provided by Diane Rodriguez

Categories     Pasta

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 oz dried pasta (I use medium shells or cavatappi)
10 slice bacon
1 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, small dice
1 small 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

Steps:

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

Akhyam Tariq
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I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious. The only change I made was to use sharp cheddar cheese instead of pepper jack. It was still really good.


Feria
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This was so good! I added some diced tomatoes and green peppers to it and it was even better. Thanks for sharing this recipe!


Judit
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I made this for my family and they loved it. It was easy to make and the flavor was amazing. I will definitely be making this again.


Irfan Ullah Shah
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This was a great recipe! I used a different type of pasta and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!


Nelson K Moyo
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I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious. The only change I made was to use sharp cheddar cheese instead of pepper jack. It was still really good.


Ajmal Ali
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This was so good! I added some diced tomatoes and green peppers to it and it was even better. Thanks for sharing this recipe!


Adam Tope
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I made this for my family and they loved it. It was easy to make and the flavor was amazing. I will definitely be making this again.


Eman Almograbi
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This was a great recipe! I used a different type of pasta and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!


shii mwaniki
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I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious. The only change I made was to use sharp cheddar cheese instead of pepper jack. It was still really good.


Islam Amjad0000
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This was so good! I added some diced tomatoes and green peppers to it and it was even better. Thanks for sharing this recipe!


Salm Salm
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I made this for my family and they loved it. It was easy to make and the flavor was amazing. I will definitely be making this again.


BLACK SHADOW GAMAR
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This was a great recipe! I used a different type of pasta and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!


Raees usama
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I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious. The only change I made was to use sharp cheddar cheese instead of pepper jack. It was still really good.


Arianna Perez
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This was so good! I added some diced tomatoes and green peppers to it and it was even better. Thanks for sharing this recipe!


Ml Ml
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. It's easy to make and the flavor is amazing. I highly recommend it!


Brendon Strydom
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This was a great recipe! I made it for my family and they loved it. The bacon and pepper jack cheese added a lot of flavor to the dish. I will definitely be making this again.