Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac

The Cast Iron Soulé
The Cast Iron Soulé @CastIronSoule
Forsyth, GA

This takeout favorite from Hello Fresh is an amazing dish that you can thoroughly enjoy when you want quality macaroni and cheese with a kick! I never hesitate to try recipes and share the best of the best!

Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac

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The Cast Iron Soulé
The Cast Iron Soulé @CastIronSoule
Forsyth, GA

This takeout favorite from Hello Fresh is an amazing dish that you can thoroughly enjoy when you want quality macaroni and cheese with a kick! I never hesitate to try recipes and share the best of the best!
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Ingredients

45 minutes
2 people
  1. 6 ozCavatappi Pasta
  2. 4 ozBacon, thick cut
  3. 4 ozHeavy Cream
  4. 1Large Jalapeño
  5. 1/4 cupMonterey Jack Cheese
  6. 1/2 cupMexican Cheese blend
  7. 4 tbspCream Cheese
  8. 1 tbspFlour
  9. 1 tbspSouthwest Spice Blend
  10. 1/4 cupPanko Breadcrumbs
  11. 2Scallions
  12. 1 CloveGarlic
  13. 1 tbspButter
  14. Salt and Pepper, to season

Cooking Instructions

45 minutes
  1. 1

    Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add bacon to a large, dry pan over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally and adjusting heat if browning too quickly, until crispy, 6-10 minutes. Turn off heat; transfer to a paper-towellined plate. Carefully discard all but a thin layer of bacon fat from pan

    A picture of step 1 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 1 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 1 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  2. 2

    While bacon cooks, halve jalapeño crosswise, removing ribs and seeds for less heat; thinly slice one half into rounds and finely dice remaining. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Peel and mince garlic.

    A picture of step 2 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  3. 3

    Once water is boiling, add cavatappi to pot. Cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

  4. 4

    While pasta cooks, place 1tbsp butter in a small microwavesafe bowl; microwave until melted, 30 seconds. Stir in panko and 1 tsp Southwest Spice. You’ll use the remaining Southwest Spice later. Season with salt and pepper.

    A picture of step 4 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  5. 5

    Heat pan with reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add sliced jalapeño; season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a second small bowl and set aside.

    A picture of step 5 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  6. 6

    Add scallion whites, diced jalapeño, and garlic to same pan. Cook until slightly softened, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    A picture of step 6 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 6 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  7. 7

    Add 1tbsp flour to pan with aromatics; whisk until thoroughly coated.

    A picture of step 7 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  8. 8

    Add heavy cream. Whisk in cream cheese, ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water, and remaining Southwest Spice; reduce heat to low. Simmer, whisking, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes.

    A picture of step 8 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 8 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 8 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  9. 9

    Whisk in Mexican cheese and Monterey Jack until melted and creamy.

    A picture of step 9 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 9 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 9 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  10. 10

    Heat broiler to high. Roughly chop bacon. Stir bacon and drained cavatappi into pan with cheese sauce.

    A picture of step 10 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 10 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 10 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  11. 11

    If needed, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until cavatappi is coated in a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

    A picture of step 11 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  12. 12

    Sprinkle with seasoned panko and sliced jalapeño. Broil until panko is browned and crispy, 2-3 minutes.

    A picture of step 12 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 12 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  13. 13

    Sprinkle with scallion greens. Divide between plates or serve directly from baking dish.

    A picture of step 13 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 13 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 13 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
  14. 14

    Serve and enjoy!

    A picture of step 14 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 14 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
    A picture of step 14 of Jalapeño n’ Bacon Mac.
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The Cast Iron Soulé
The Cast Iron Soulé @CastIronSoule
on
Forsyth, GA
No culinary experience. Watched a lot of Food Shows, and just enjoy cooking new things. I’m trucker, so most of my meals are made when I am home. I dabble in both my own creations as well as sharing some of the best from other recipes such as HelloFresh and online searches. Presentation, obviously, is all me.
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