Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese

Traveling is all about new experiences and adventures and that includes trying foods that I wouldn't normally eat.  With that being said --- welcome to Amy's England food tour.😅 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I honestly didn't expect the culinary diversity that I experienced during our 2 week stay in England and I'm not mad about it.  We had some incredible meals and I learned that I actually quite enjoy mushy peas.🤣🫛 

Tasting so many different foods on our trip inspired me to expand my own culinary repertoire at home.  I've always been kind of a traditionalist when it comes to macaroni and cheese.  I stick to my classic macaroni and cheese recipe and when I'm feeling extra fancy - I add a buttery crumb topping.😅  I certainly never considered adding jalapeños to my traditional macaroni and cheese.  That's just crazy.  Right?!?

I took this dish to 2 different bring a dish meals and I got so many compliments that  that this recipe has quickly become my new go-to macaroni and cheese recipe.  Who knew that jalapeños and bacon, scallions and cream cheese all make delicious additions to the classic dish?  I'm not a bacon fan and even I thought this was pretty darn tasty.😋😅

Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese
1 pound cavatappi
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound bacon, cut into 1" pieces
1 cup panko
3 fresh jalapenos, chopped fine
3 Tablespoons flour
2 3/4 cups heavy cream
2 3/4 cups whole milk
12 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1/2" cubes
4 cups mild cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped jarred jalapenos 
2 Tablespoons brine from jarred jalapenos
8 scallions, sliced thin

Cook pasta in boiling water with 1 T. salt until al dente.   Drain. 

Cook bacon in empty pasta pot until crispy.  (10-12 minutes) 

Drain bacon, reserving fat. 

Chop 1/4 of bacon fine.  Add to bowl with panko, 1/4 c. fresh jalapenos, 1/4 c. bacon fat and 1/4 t. salt.

Return 2 T. bacon fat to pot.  Add flour and whisk 1 minute. 

Whisk in cream and milk and bring to a boil.  Cook and stir 2 minutes longer. 

Stir in cream cheese until melted. 

Remove from heat.   Stir in cheddar, jarred jalapenos, brine, 1/2 t. salt, scallions, remaining bacon and fresh jalapenos. 

Stir in cooked pasta. 

Transfer to a 9x13" baking dish.

Sprinkle panko mixture evenly over macaroni.  

Set dish on a foil lined baking sheet and bake 22-25 minutes at 375.

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