Bacon Mac and Cheese

Total Time Prep: 35 min. Bake: 40 min.
Yield 16 servings (3/4 cup each)
Test Kitchen Approved
This bacon mac and cheese features a blend of jalapeños, scallions and four different cheeses. It’s creamy, comforting and hearty, making it an absolute winner on any spread.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound bacon strips, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 package (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Dash hot pepper sauce
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Saute jalapeno in reserved drippings. Add milk and cheeses to pan; cook and stir until blended. Stir in the onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper and pepper sauce.
  3. Drain macaroni; add to pan with the onions and cooked bacon. Mix well.
  4. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 438 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1106mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.

Jalapeno pepper adds an extra kick to this bacon mac and cheese, giving it great grown-up taste. I serve this comforting dish throughout the year.—Shelly Boehm, South Bend, Indiana
Recipe Creator

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