Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese
A rich and indulgent mac and cheese with a spicy kick from jalapeños and the smoky goodness of bacon.
Ingredients
- 8 strips of bacon (but I typically use a *lot* more...)
- 1/4 cup bacon grease (reserved from cooked bacon)
- 1 cup panko or bread crumbs
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 3-4 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
- 2 cups assorted cheeses (jalapeño jack, smoked gouda, sharp cheddar)
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)
- 1/2 tsp curry powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 8 strips of bacon on a cooling rack set inside a sheet pan and cook for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Once done, set the bacon aside and reserve about 1/4 cup of bacon grease.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, toss 1 cup panko or bread crumbs with the reserved bacon grease until coated. Spread the crumbs on the sheet pan and toast in the oven for 10 minutes until golden.
- Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz egg noodles for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside. They should still be slightly firm since they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Finely dice 3-4 jalapeños, removing the seeds if desired to reduce heat.
- Grate the Cheese: Grate 2 cups of assorted cheeses, such as jalapeño jack, smoked gouda, and sharp cheddar.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat a bit of the bacon grease over medium heat. Add the finely diced 1/2 onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute.
- Make the Roux: Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp curry powder (if using). Slowly whisk in the grated cheeses and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the diced jalapeños and the cooked bacon (crumbled) into the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Assemble the mac & cheese: In a large casserole dish, add the cooked noodles. Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Top the mac & cheese with the toasted breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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