Jalapeno Bacon Mac And Cheese

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:35:57 GMT

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Meanwhile, add bacon to a large, dry pan over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally until crispy. Turn off heat and transfer to paper towel lined plate. Carefully discard all but a thin layer of bacon grease from the pan.

Step 3

While bacon cooks, wash and dry all produce. Halve jalapeños, removing ribs and seeds. Thinly slice half of the jalapeños and finely dice the other half. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Peel and mince garlic.

Step 4

Once water is boiling, add pasta to the pot. Cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 4 cups pasta cooking water, then drain pasta. While pasta cooks, place 4 tbsp butter in microwave safe bowl and cook until melted. Stir in panko and 4 tsp southwest spice. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5

Heat pan with reserved bacon fat over medium high heat. Add Sliced jalapeños and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Add scallion whites, diced jalapeno, and garlic to same pan. Cook until slightly softened. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Add 4 tbsp flour to pan with aromatics; whisk until thoroughly coated. Pour bechamel sauce into pan. Whisk in cream cheese, 2 cups reserved pasta water, and remaining southwest spice; reduce heat to low. Simmer, whisking, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Whisk in Mexican cheese and Monterey jack until melted and creamy.

Step 7

Heat broiler to high. Dice bacon. Stir bacon and drained pasta into pan with cheese sauce. (If pan isn't large enough, transfer to pasta pot first to mix). If needed, stir in more pasta water until pasta is covered in a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Transfer mac and cheese to 2 size 13x9 baking dishes. Sprinkle with spiced panko and Sliced jalapeños. Broil until panko is browned and crispy. Once removed from oven, Sprinkle with scallion greens. Divide between plates or serve directly from the dish.

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