Best 4 Bacon And Pepper Jack Mac Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our tantalizing Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese. This dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and cheesy goodness that will leave you craving for more. Savor the crispy, smoky bacon bits that blend seamlessly with the creamy, gooey Pepper Jack cheese sauce, coating every macaroni noodle in a delightful embrace. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with a bold, flavorful twist.

In addition to the main recipe, we've included a collection of variations to suit your preferences and dietary needs. For those who prefer a kick of heat, our Spicy Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese will set your taste buds ablaze with a blend of zesty peppers and jalapeños. If you're craving a vegetarian option, our Roasted Vegetable and Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is a delightful symphony of roasted vegetables, creamy cheese sauce, and tender macaroni. And for those with gluten sensitivities, our Gluten-Free Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese offers a delicious alternative with gluten-free macaroni and a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CONTEST-WINNING PEPPER JACK MAC



Contest-Winning Pepper Jack Mac image

When I want to make something hearty, creamy and cheesy, I go with this dish. It's comfort food at its finest. -Rianna Styx, Libertyville, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
TOPPING:
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cheddar french-fried onions, crushed

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside., In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and Worcestershire sauce until smooth; gradually add milk and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted. Stir macaroni into cheese mixture., Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs, bacon, Parmesan cheese and onions. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 859 calories, Fat 64g fat (37g saturated fat), Cholesterol 191mg cholesterol, Sodium 1127mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 34g protein.

BACON MAC & CHEESE



Bacon Mac & Cheese image

Jalapeno pepper adds an extra kick to this bacon mac and cheese, giving it great grown-up taste. I serve this comforting dish throughout the year.-Shelly Boehm, South Bend, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h15m

Yield 16 servings (3/4 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 pound bacon strips, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
3 cups 2% milk
2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 package (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Dash hot pepper sauce
3 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Saute jalapeno in reserved drippings. Add milk and cheeses to pan; cook and stir until blended. Stir in the onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper and pepper sauce. , Drain macaroni; add to pan with the onions and cooked bacon. Mix well. , Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 438 calories, Fat 26g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 1106mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

BACON AND PEPPER JACK MAC & CHEESE



Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese image

Cheesy, creamy and smoky, this not a traditional macaroni and cheese recipe. We really loved the bits of bacon throughout the mac and cheese. The jalapeno adds a mild spice, but it's not overwhelming. When looking for a special treat for the family, make sure to add this recipe to your menu. Creamy and delicious!

Provided by Diane Rodriguez

Categories     Pasta

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 oz dried pasta (I use medium shells or cavatappi)
10 slice bacon
1 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, small dice
1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 clove garlic, pressed or minced
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 c chicken broth
1/2 c half and half or heavy cream (I use a mix)
1/4 c softened cream cheese
8 oz brick pepper jack, grated
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Set aside on a paper lined plate to cool, then chop.
  • 2. While bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain. Rinse so it doesn't stick together and set aside.
  • 3. Add the butter to the bacon drippings. When the butter melts, add in the onion and jalapeno. Cook until soft.
  • 4. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute or so, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • 5. Add the flour to the skillet. Stir and cook just for a minute. Add in the chicken broth and half/half or cream. Bring up to a simmer, stirring until sauce thickens.
  • 6. Once sauce thickens, add in the cream cheese and pepper jack. Stir until melted.
  • 7. Add in the cooked pasta and stir to coat all the pasta. Add in the chopped bacon and stir. Adjust seasonings with the salt and pepper and serve.

BACON-PEPPER MAC AND CHEESE



Bacon-Pepper Mac and Cheese image

Enjoy this cheesy pasta casserole made using bacon, Gold Medal® flour and Progresso® bread crumbs - perfect for dinner.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups uncooked penne pasta (10 oz)
1/3 cup butter
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 1/4 cups milk
10 slices packaged precooked bacon (from 2.1-oz package), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
4 oz Muenster cheese, shredded (1 cup)
2 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup Progresso™ Italian style bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the butter in small bowl. Stir bell pepper and onions into butter in saucepan. Increase heat to medium; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in flour, salt, pepper and mustard. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Increase heat to medium-high. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens, about 5 minutes. Gently stir in bacon and pasta.
  • Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted. Pour into casserole. Stir bread crumbs into melted butter in small bowl. Sprinkle over pasta mixture.
  • Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1010, Carbohydrate 91 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 5 g, Protein 45 g, SaturatedFat 29 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1790 mg, Sugar 10 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for flavorful, creamy cheeses and crispy bacon to elevate the dish.
  • Cook the bacon to your desired crispness: Keep a close eye on the bacon to achieve your preferred level of crispiness.
  • Reserve some bacon fat: Use a portion of the bacon fat to add a rich, smoky flavor to the mac and cheese.
  • Make a smooth cheese sauce: Gradually add milk to the melted butter and flour mixture, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to create a flavorful and complex mac and cheese. Pepper Jack, cheddar, and Parmesan are popular choices.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, ensuring it retains a slight bite.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce: Gently combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  • Top with additional cheese and bacon: Before baking, sprinkle additional cheese and bacon on top for a golden-brown crust.
  • Bake until bubbly and golden brown: Place the mac and cheese in a preheated oven and bake until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  • Let it rest before serving: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the spicy kick of Pepper Jack cheese. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and golden-brown crust, this mac and cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're a fan of classic mac and cheese or looking for a unique and flavorful twist, this recipe is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the deliciousness of Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese!

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