CHIPOTLE BACON MAC AND CHEESE

Hands-on time: 40 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yields: Makes 10 servings

MYRECIPES STAFF

October 6th, 2014

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Ingredients

3 teaspoons sea salt, divided

1 (16-oz.) package cavatappi pasta

2 tablespoons corn oil, divided

1/2 cup butter

1 small onion, diced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups half-and-half

2 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

3 cups freshly grated smoked Cheddar cheese

1 cup freshly grated Cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper

6 cooked bacon slices, chopped

3/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

How to Make It

Preheat oven to 350°. Bring 1 gal. water and 1 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil in a Dutch oven; add pasta. Cook 8 to 9 minutes or until al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water. Toss with 1 Tbsp. oil.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. (Do not brown flour.) Add half-and-half, next 2 ingredients, and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. sea salt, and bring to a simmer. Cook, whisking constantly, 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened. Gradually add cheeses, stirring until blended. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; stir in cooked pasta. Spoon into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Sauté chipotle pepper in remaining 1 Tbsp. hot corn oil in a small skillet over medium heat 30 seconds or until mixture begins to smoke. Remove from heat, and quickly stir in bacon and panko until coated. Sprinkle mixture over pasta.

Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and crisp on top. Serve immediately.