Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese

Name: Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk; 3 tablespoons yellow mustard; 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 pound thick-sliced bacon strips (about 7 strips), cooked and crumbled

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 10 min.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

All my dishes use ingredients that are usually sitting in the fire department pantry. I just adjust amounts depending on how many people we have on duty that day. This is always popular. —Nick Kaczor, New Hudson, Michigan

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
3 to 4 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 pound thick-sliced bacon strips (about 7 strips), cooked and crumbled

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and mustard. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in jalapenos and 3 cups cheese until cheese is melted.
Reserve 1/4 cup crumbled bacon; stir remaining bacon into sauce.
Drain macaroni and return to pot; stir in cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese and reserved bacon. Bake, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/3 cups: 636 calories, 34g fat (20g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.

Recipe Creator