Cooking Corner: Panera's Jalapeno Bacon Mac And Cheese

Welcome to the Cooking Corner! We're happy to welcome back Casey Finau from Panera who showed us how to make Jalapeno Bacon Mac and Cheese.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut bacon, 1/2-inch cubes

2 jalapenos, seeded and cut to 1/4-inch diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup onion, 1/4-inch diced

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp cumin

1 pinch cayenne pepper

32 oz Panera Mac & Cheese

6 tbsp cream cheese

4 tbsp crispy fried onions

Directions

Heat a large saute pan on medium-high heat

Add bacon and cook until it begins to brown

Add garlic, jalapeno, and onions and saute until onions are translucent

Turn the heat down to medium

Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper; stir until all ingredients are combined

Add the Mac & Cheese and stir frequently until heated through

Using a small spoon, add the cream cheese in chunks and turn off the heat

Pour the contents of the saute pan into a bowl for serving or spoon directly on plates

Garnish with crispy fried onion topping