Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese

By bklynmommy

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bacon
• 1 pound cavatappi pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 large jalapenos or 4 small jalapenos, finely diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 5 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Details

Adapted from cassiecraves.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cook bacon to desired crispness; drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.

3. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

4. Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add jalapenos and cook for 3 minutes, or until they’re slightly softened. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Add milk; heat to boiling and stir constantly for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Add cheese sauce and bacon to pasta and mix gently. Transfer to a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.

6. Combine 3 tablespoons melted butter with the bread crumbs or crackers; sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

7. Bake for 20 minutes or until topping is slightly browned.