Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bake

Name: Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 4 tbsp butter; 4 tbsp all purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt and pepper; 4 oz queso fresco; 8 cooked bacon strips; 1/2 cup pickled jalapeno slices; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp cilantro leaves

User Reviews

5.0

6 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
8 servings
Calories
582 kcal
Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine
American

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bake

Sarah Armstrong

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This homemade Mac and Cheese Bake gets beefed up with crisp bacon, jalapeños and a buttery-crisp Panko crumb topping makes for one delicious side dish at any picnic, potluck or dinner.

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Ingredients

Servings

8 oz elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all purpose flour
3 cups milk
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt and pepper each
4 oz queso fresco crumbled
8 cooked bacon strips chopped
1/2 cup pickled jalapeno slices finely diced
2 tbsp butter melted
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tbsp cilantro leaves chopped

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Instructions

In a large saucepan over medium low heat melt the butter and add the flour. Cook for several minutes until a golden brown and slowly whisk in the milk to avoid any lumps. Add the cheddar cheese, kosher salt, black pepper and paprika, constantly whisking until all cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
Cook elbow macaroni al dente (about 7 minutes) in heavily salted water and drain. Add macaroni, chopped bacon and jalapeños to cheese sauce and stir to incorporate completely.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered 8x8" or 9x9" pan and crumble queso fresco evenly over top.
In a small bowl mix the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter and chopped cilantro and crumble mixture on top.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and firm up a little. Cut into squares and serve. Top with more crumbled queso fresco if desired.

Nutrition Information

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Calories 582kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 38g (58%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Cholesterol 98mg (33%) Sodium 924mg (39%) Potassium 297mg (8%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1285IU (26%) Calcium 451mg (45%) Iron 1.7mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 582 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	582kcal	29%
Carbohydrates	35g	12%
Protein	24g	48%
Fat	38g	58%
Saturated Fat	21g	105%
Cholesterol	98mg	33%
Sodium	924mg	39%
Potassium	297mg	6%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sugar	6g	12%
Vitamin A	1285IU	26%
Calcium	451mg	45%
Iron	1.7mg	9%