Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Chipotles

By cecelia26_

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz) box elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 7 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
• 1 (8-oz) package shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided
• 3 Tbsp chopped chipotle chiles in adobo
• 6 slices cooked bacon, cut into 1-inch slices

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain and return to pot.

3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in half-and-half, milk, salt, pepper, mustard, and half the cheese. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until thick.

4. Pour sauce over macaroni. Stir in chiles, bacon and remaining cheese. Mix well.

5. Transfer to baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes or until very hot. Broil for 1 minute to brown top, if desired.