Chipotle-Bacon Mac And Cheese

Name: Chipotle-Bacon Mac And Cheese
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons sea salt, divided; 1 (16 ounce) 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 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 breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)

14 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

3 teaspoons sea salt, divided
1 (16 ounce) 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 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 breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°. Bring 1 gallon water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a stock pot; add pasta. Cook 8 to 9 minutes or until al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil.
2

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, and saute 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 teaspoon 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.
3

Saute chipotle pepper in remaining 1 tablespoon 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.
4

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