Jalapeno Bacon Mac and Cheese
Jalapeno Bacon Mac and Cheese is creamy and cheesy, with a spicy jalapeno kick and smoky crispy bacon! A one pot recipe.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 10 slices of bacon
- 2 Tablespoons bacon grease
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 quart milk
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 4 ounce can chopped jalapenos or 1/2 cup fresh diced jalapeno*
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- ½ tsp parsley
Instructions
- In a large oven proof pan fry 10 slices of bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain grease and cool. Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease to make a roux. Heat the bacon grease over medium heat. If you're using fresh jalapenos add them to the bacon grease and cook a few minutes until the peppers begin to soften. If you're using canned jalapenos simply continue on to the next step.*
- Add the flour to the bacon grease and whisk until the mixture is bubbly and combined.
- Whisk the broth into the roux and cook until it's smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the milk to the mixture, along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir in the macaroni and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 8-9 minutes or until the macaroni is cooked al dente. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Reduce the heat to low and add all the cheeses, canned jalapenos (if using canned instead of fresh) and crumbled bacon to the macaroni. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.*
- Prepare the topping by mixing together the panko bread crumbs with butter and parsley.
- Sprinkle the topping over the macaroni and cheese and place in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees or until the panko is golden brown.
Notes
*Please note the different times to add the jalapenos depending on whether using fresh chopped peppers or canned jalapeno peppers.
Instead of baking, you may also place the panko topped macaroni and cheese under the broiler until the topping has browned. Just be careful not to let it burn.