Ingredients
8 slices bacon
salt
8 oz. pasta shells
3 tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 c. whole milk
3 oz. jarred pimiento peppers, drained
1 tsp. dijon
Hot sauce
2 c. shredded sharp Cheddar
8 slices of bacon
1 c. toasted breadcrumbs
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
chives, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1Cook bacon until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool. Step 2In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta shells for 5 minutes. Drain. Step 3Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic.Cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Whisk in flour, 2 minutes, then stir in milk, pimentos, Dijon, and a few splashes of hot sauce to taste and cook until almost simmering. Step 4Add cheese and stir until melted and creamy, then add drained cooked shells and stir to coat. Step 5Crumble and stir in bacon, then transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.Step 6Heat broiler and make spicy breadcrumbs: Combine toasted breadcrumbs with Parmesan and cayenne pepper.Step 7Sprinkle breadcrumbs on mac ’n cheese and broil until bubbly and golden, about 5 minutes. Step 8Garnish with chives.
