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Golden baked macaroni and cheese casserole with crispy breadcrumb topping and fresh cilantro garnish.

Spicy Corn and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Bree Hester
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 669 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ears corn on the cob husks removed
  • 1 pound fusilli
  • 6 slices bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • 1 habanero seeded, deveined, and finely minced
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Sargento Pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Sargento Sharp Cheddar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/4 cup panko crumbs
  • 3 Tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the broiler and place the oven rack 5 1/2 inches from the heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and broil corn for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Let cool and cut kernels off of the cob.
    Golden grilled corn on aluminum foil, perfect for summer barbecues.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Heat the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove bacon grease, leaving 1 Tablespoon in pan. Add onion, pepper, and habanero.
    Chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes for cooking or recipe preparation.
  • Cook until soft and lightly browned. Add reserved corn. Set aside.
    Sautéed mixed vegetables in a frying pan with a wooden spoon, ready for cooking or baking.
  • Mix tortilla crumbs, panko, melted butter, and cilantro.
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  • Now you have all the pieces of this mac and cheese, it is time to move on to the cheese sauce.
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  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown.
    Smooth batter mixing in a bowl for baking recipes.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened about 10 minutes. It will be thick enough when it coats the back of the spoon.
    Cream cheese sauce being prepared on a kitchen countertop, with grated cheese and baking ingredients nearby.
  • Remove from heat and add cheese.
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  • Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth.
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  • Add corn, onion, and pepper mixture, and reserved bacon. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to combine. Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper as needed, I almost always have to add more. Pour into a 9x13 casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Or individual ramekins (about 6).
    Creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon bits in a stainless steel bowl topped with a red spatula.
  • Sprinkle with tortilla and panko mixture. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving
    Golden baked macaroni and cheese with breadcrumb topping in a baking dish and ramekins.

Nutrition

Calories: 669kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 825mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Spicy Corn and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
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