JALAPENO-BACON MAC & CHEESE

Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese image

All my dishes use ingredients that are usually sitting in the fire department pantry. I just adjust amounts depending on how many people we have on duty that day. This is always popular. -Nick Kaczor, New Hudson, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
3 to 4 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 pound thick-sliced bacon strips (about 7 strips), cooked and crumbled

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and mustard. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in jalapenos and 3 cups cheese until cheese is melted., Reserve 1/4 cup crumbled bacon; stir remaining bacon into sauce., Drain macaroni and return to pot; stir in cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese and reserved bacon. Bake, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 636 calories, Fat 34g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 105mg cholesterol, Sodium 759mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 31g protein.