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Smoked Bacon and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Smoked Bacon and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese for Ultimate Comfort

Experience the smoky, spicy delight of Smoked Bacon and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese, a comfort food champion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Feel free to use any pasta shape.
For the Heat
  • 2 medium Jalapeno Peppers Remove seeds for less spice.
For the Savory Base
  • 6 strips Bacon Strips Turkey bacon can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or green onions can be used as alternatives.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Margarine can also work well.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Neufchâtel is a lighter option.
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Swap with any meltable cheese like Monterey Jack.
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Half-and-half can also work.
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Mustard Mustard powder is another option.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Broiler Pan

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 300°F.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain.
  3. Broil jalapeno peppers for 5-7 minutes until blistered, cool and chop.
  4. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; set aside and sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat.
  5. Make the cheese sauce by melting butter and adding cream cheese, cheddar, cream, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine macaroni, bacon, and onions with the cheese sauce until well-coated.
  7. Transfer to a greased skillet, cook on the grill uncovered for 20 mins, then cover and cook until 160°F.
  8. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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