Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese

Name: Jalape&#241;o Bacon Mac &amp; Cheese
Total time: 00:20:00
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: Classic Comfort American
Ingredients: 4 slices thick-cut bacon, 1/2-inch cubes; 2 jalapeños, seeded and cut to 1/4-inch dice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup onion, 1/4-inch diced; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1 tsp. cumin; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 32 oz. Panera&reg; Mac & Cheese; 6 tbsp. cream cheese; 4 tbsp. crispy fried onions

Main Dish, Side Dish, American, Classic Comfort

20 minutes
4 servings

You’ll want to add this slightly spicier take on our classic Mac & Cheese that features delicious crispy bacon along with jalapeños and cayenne to your quick-dinner rotation. It’s that good and easy.

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What You'll Need

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut bacon, 1/2-inch cubes
2 jalapeños, seeded and cut to 1/4-inch dice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup onion, 1/4-inch diced
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 pinch cayenne pepper
32 oz. Panera® Mac & Cheese
6 tbsp. cream cheese
4 tbsp. crispy fried onions

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories	650
Total Fat	41g
Saturated Fats	23g
Trans Fat	1.5g
Cholesterol	120mg
Sodium	1400mg
Total Carb.	46g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	23g

Steps

Heat a large sauté pan on medium-high heat.
Add bacon and cook until it begins to brown.
Add garlic, jalapeño and onions, and sauté until onions are translucent. Turn the heat down to medium.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and cayenne pepper. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
Add the Mac & Cheese and stir frequently until heated through.
Using a small spoon, add the cream cheese in chunks and turn off the heat (it’s best not to fully mix in the cream cheese because the slightly melted chunks of cream cheese are a delicious treat while eating).
Pour the contents of the sauté pan into a bowl for serving or spoon directly onto plates.
Garnish with crispy fried onion topping.