Mexican Mac

Ingredients

(1) lb.  Large dried elbow pasta

(1/2) Cup butter

(1/2)  All purpose flour

​(2 & 1/2)  Cups half and half

(1 & 1/2) Cups whole milk

(4)  Cups shredded medium cheddar cheese

(2) Cups Mexican Style Blend Shredded Cheese 

(1 & 1/2)  Cups Lindita’s Mild Salsa 

(2) Jalapeños seeded, diced (optional)

(6-8)  Cooked bacon strips, chopped

(1/2)  tbsp. Salt

(2-4)  Cups of tortilla chips, crunched in ziplock bag

Toppings: Tortillas chips, shedded cheese, bacon bits, chopped jalapeños 

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Directions

Preheat oven to 350° I used a 12 inch and 3 -  8 inch cast iron skillets sprayed lightly with olive oil.

Or a 3 quart baking dish (9x13”) greased. 

In a large stock pot bring salted water to boil. 

Add dried pasta and cook for 7 minutes firm not tender. 

While noodles are boiling, shred cheeses, and toss together to mix. Save about a cup and a half for topping.

When the noodles are done cooking, drain and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil to keep from sticking.

In the same stock pot melt butter over medium heat, sprinkling flour and whisk to combine. (Mixture should look very wet. )

Cook approximately a minute and a half whisking often & slowly pour the half-and-half and whole milk combined while whisking constantly, until  smooth , adding in cheese to melt and combine until completely melted and smooth.

Add in Lindita’s Salsa and a dice jalapeño, 1/2 of bacon and stir. 

Combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring to combine fully.

Pour half of the pasta mixture into the large iron skillet and continue doing that with the 3-8inch skillets (or into a prepared baking dish).

Sprinkle with shedded cheese, tortilla chips, bacon bits and jalapeños.

Bake for 15 -18 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Serves 6-8 hungry peeps. Great as a meal, a side and served it up with fresh Bolillo Bread.

(4-6)   Bolillo Bread Rolls (Mexican bread) cut in half

(4)    tbsp. Butter

Melt butter and gently brush over bread. Sprinkle Lindita’s Spice. Grill or bake. Top off with Queso Fresco