Spicy Jalapeno-Bacon Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese with bacon gets a spicy kick from fresh jalapenos and chile paste, making it a flavorful addition to parties or potlucks.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 746 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 (16 ounce) package bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
• 10 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons chile paste, or to taste
• 16 ounces shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until nearly crispy, about 5 minutes. Add jalapenos and fry with bacon until soft and bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain some of the bacon fat, leaving 4 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Step 3

Stir chile paste into the pan and fry for 1 minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Cook and stir garlic in the pan for 1 minute. Pour in milk and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes to cool slightly and prevent cheese from separating.

Step 4

Stir Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese into the mixture until melted. Add drained pasta and mix together. Serve.