Best 2 Bacon Pepper Mac And Cheese Recipes

**Indulge in a Culinary Symphony of Flavors: Bacon, Pepper, and Cheese Unite in a Macaroni Rhapsody**

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that harmonizes the robust smokiness of bacon, the piquant heat of peppers, and the velvety richness of cheese, all swirled together with tender macaroni in a symphony of flavors. This exceptional Bacon Pepper Mac and Cheese recipe promises an explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. But that's not all; this article offers a diverse selection of mac and cheese recipes, each with its own unique twist, ensuring there's something for every palate. From the classic Southern-style mac and cheese to the innovative lobster mac and cheese, these recipes guarantee a delectable journey through the world of cheesy pasta perfection.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

Ingredients

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

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

Ingredients

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.

Tips:

For a crispier bacon, cook it in a single layer in a large skillet over medium heat, flipping once, until the bacon is evenly browned and crispy.
To make the cheese sauce extra smooth, whisk in a little milk or cream at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
For a spicier mac and cheese, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
To make the mac and cheese more flavorful, use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
For a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
To make the mac and cheese ahead of time, cook the macaroni and cheese sauce according to the directions, then let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Conclusion:

Bacon pepper mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and flavorful peppers, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give bacon pepper mac and cheese a try.