Southwestern Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

It’s pretty clear at this point how much my family loves Mexican food, right? I think it’s probably our favorite cuisine. I personally could eat it every night -- and since Thursday is Cinco de Mayo, this would actually be the perfect week to do that. However, my husband nixed the idea (he could get heartburn, he said -- what a wimp!), so I thought the next best thing would be to share Mexican recipes with you over the next few days.

First up is this Southwestern bacon macaroni and cheese, and wow, is this stuff delicious. The Mexican spices are mixed right into the roux with the flour, which really enhances the flavor. Add in bacon, cheese and a little bit of sour cream, and it’s just impossible to go wrong. I’d intended to add black beans, corn, and green chilies to this too, but I got distracted (as the mother of two little boys, my life is basically all about getting distracted). I think I will do that next time -- but really, this is just perfect as-is. We all loved this one!

Southwestern Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
adapted from Krista’s Kitchen

1 pound uncooked bow tie pasta
4 center-cut bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
8 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water. Cook bacon to desired crispness in a large skillet; remove to a paper towel to drain. Drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from the skillet.

2. Add pepper and onions to skillet and cook until tender. Add butter until it’s melted, then stir in the flour, chili powder, salt and cumin until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese and sour cream until melted.

3. Drain pasta; toss with sauce and heat through. Sprinkle each serving with reserved bacon.