Spicy Bacon Mac and Cheese

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This spicy bacon mac and cheese is my kind of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy and loaded with crispy bacon, and it has just enough heat to keep things interesting. The sauce comes together on the stovetop with sharp cheddar, pepper jack and a little chipotle and hot sauce, so it’s rich and smoky with a gentle kick.

It’s ready in about 30 minutes, it’s way better than the boxed stuff, and the leftovers reheat really well for a cozy work-from-home lunch.

Watch Me Make It

Want to see how it comes together? Watch me make this spicy bacon mac and cheese on TikTok.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra creamy: a real stovetop cheese sauce makes it silky and rich.
• A little kick: pepper jack, chipotle and hot sauce add smoky heat.
• Bacon in every bite: crispy, salty bacon is stirred right in.
• Ready in about 30 minutes: easy enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cavatappi or elbow pasta
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or cayenne)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Spicy Bacon Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the pasta. Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Crisp the bacon. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Move it to a paper towel and pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of the fat.
3. Make the roux. Melt the butter in the same pot, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Build the sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking often, until it thickens.
5. Add the cheese and spices. Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and pepper jack a handful at a time until smooth. Stir in the smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine. Stir in the pasta and most of the bacon until everything is coated. Top with the rest of the bacon and serve.

Tips for the Best Results

• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has coatings that can make the sauce grainy.
• Keep the heat low. Adding cheese over high heat can make it split.
• Adjust the spice. Start with a little chipotle and hot sauce, then add more to taste.
• Save some pasta water. A splash loosens the sauce if it gets too thick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.

If you make this spicy bacon mac and cheese, let me know in the comments, and follow me on TikTok @biteswithadri for more easy dinners!