Gluten-Free Crispy Panko Jalepeno Bacon Mac and Cheese

 Hi Bakers, How about something savory today? I love mac and cheese and bacon makes it even better. This gluten-free Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese is flavorful but not too spicy so everyone will love it. I really like the three cheese blend because Gruyere adds creaminess, the cheddar sharpness, and Oaxaca is super melty. Crunchy Panko topping makes it seem even more like it can’t be gluten-free! Enjoy this yummy cold-weather comfort food! 

Gluten-Free Crispy Panko Topped Jalapeño Bacon Mac n Cheese

8-ounce package Le Veneziane* brand gluten-free elbows

1/4 cup butter

2 1/2 tablespoons Koda Farms sweet rice flour

1 1/4 cups 2% milk

3/4 cup cream

1/2 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese

2 1/4 cups  shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded gruyere cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper 

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 lb chopped, cooked bacon

1 small diced jalapeño

1 cup gluten-free 4C brand panko bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter mixed in

Preheat oven to 375F and grease an 8”x8” pan. Dice jalapeño pepper and microwave for 1 minute until softened. Set aside. Shred the cheeses and mix them together. Divide into 3 piles. Set aside cheese. Cook and drain pasta and set aside on the stove until the sauce is assembled. On medium heat, melt butter in a saucepan. Add sweet rice flour while whisking and cook for about 2 minutes. This may start to brown slightly and that’s just fine. Whisk in half the milk and cream and cook until thickened. Gradually add the rest of the milk and cream and cook until thickened again. Remove sauce from heat. Add pepper, salt, paprika, and one of the cheese piles( another 1/3 of the total cheese) Stir until melted, and then add sauce to cooked pasta. Pour half the pasta into your 8”x8” pan and top with another 1/3 of the cheese. Add the remaining half of the pasta and top with the last third of the cheese and buttered panko crumbs. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until browned on top and bubbling. Enjoy!

*I recommend using @levenezine brand pasta because it tastes, chews, and holds up to sauce like wheat pasta. I made the sauce with sweet rice flour and it worked perfectly!