Jack Daniel's Bacon Mac and Cheese

By á-69516

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Ingredients

• 10 slices bacon
• 1/2 c jack daniel's whiskey
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 lb macaroni pasta
• 3 tbs unsalted butter
• 1/3 c flour
• 1 tbs jack daniel's whiskey
• 2 c milk
• 3 c med or sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Details

Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 40mins

Preparation

Step 1

Line baking sheet with foil and coat with non stick cooking spray. In small saucepan, bring 1/2 c jack daniel's to a boil. Reduce heat to med and simmer until reduced to 2 tbs. Remove from heat. On a plate, combine brown sugar and cayenne. Dip bacon into jack daniel's and then press each side into brown sugar mixture to coat. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7 mins, then flip and bake for about 5 mins. Watch the bacon so it doesn't burn. (the sugar will run all over the pan, and the bacon with have a shiny lacquered look.) Remove the bacon to plate coated with non-stick cooking spray to cool. Chop bacon; set aside. Bring water to a boil in large pot. Add macaroni and cook until al dente.Drain pasta; set aside. While pasta is cooking, melt butter in med sauce pan over med high heat. Add flour, and whisk to combine. Add 1 tbs jack daniel's and whisk into roux. Whisk in 1 cup milk until combined. Add remaining milk. Whisk frequently until sauce thickens and begins to bubble. Add cheeses; whisk until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth. Add paprika and salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over pasta, and add bacon, stir until pasta is completely coated in sauce. Add more salt and pepper if desired.