Contest-Winning Pepper Jack Mac

Name: Contest-Winning Pepper Jack Mac
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1-1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese; TOPPING:; 3/4 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs; 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup cheddar french-fried onions, crushed

When I want to make something hearty, creamy and cheesy, I go with this dish. It's comfort food at its finest. —Rianna Styx, Libertyville, Illinois

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
TOPPING:
3/4 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cheddar french-fried onions, crushed

Directions

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and Worcestershire sauce until smooth; gradually add milk and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted. Stir macaroni into cheese mixture.
Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs, bacon, Parmesan cheese and onions. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 859 calories, 64g fat (37g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 1127mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.

Originally published as Pepper Jack Mac in Country Woman October/November 2010

Reviews

My Review

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

PrplMonky5

Mar 12, 2018

I would rate this a 4, my husband a 5. I thought this was pretty yummy, but when making the cheese sauce, I found it to be way too thick. I had to add in more whole milk to make it thinner (maybe about 1/4C). I'm afraid that may have altered the taste just a bit. I used Monterey Jack instead of Pepper Jack (I didn't want it to be spicy at all). I also used mild cheddar cheese instead of sharp (just what I already had). The topping really accented the dish well. I'd make this again, but try not to cook the flour and milk/cream mixture so it doesn't get too thick. Maybe add in extra cream.
jmsterling1

Apr 9, 2015

Fantastic!
GalvinandCabesgranny

Apr 5, 2015

I made this for Easter and it was a hit! Awesome!
wasoongu

Jun 13, 2014

Yes, yes, and yes. Best Mac and Cheese ever. Adults were seriously giddy when I brought this out at the potluck, and completely devoured a double batch within minutes. So good. I'll increase the noodles next time, maybe double.
gaschoenecker

May 18, 2014

This recipe is great. I made it for a work luncheon and EVERY person requested the recipe
ConnieSue64

Mar 12, 2014

We loved this recipe! Like another stated, you could easily cut the cheese in half! This recipe does make a lot!!
RachelBonn

Mar 15, 2012

Best Mac 'N Cheese ever, although you can easily cut the pepper jack and cream cheese by half and not miss it.
ossamayomommma

Feb 10, 2012

Question. Has anyone frozen this recipe prior to baking?
lesliemillard

Dec 21, 2011

Deliciously sinful. My family and I LOVE this recipe!!! It's my go to recipe for special gatherings. The best mac and cheese that I've every had.
katievz

Nov 8, 2011

My all time favorite mac and cheese. I look forward to this at the beginning of each fall.