Epcot Food and Wine Fest Pepper Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Never been to Epcot's Food and Wine Festival?  You simply must.  This was one of our favorites on our last visit there.

Do yourself a favor and grate your own cheese and not buy it shredded in a bag already.  Cheese melts together better this way!

Another good tip--I made this a day ahead of time and heated it the next day.  I don't recommend that--the cheese and oil separated it too much.  Make it before you want to enjoy it.

Cooking for a crowd?  See the notes below the main recipe!

Pepper Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
1 lb macaroni, cooked according to package
8 slices of pepper bacon, cooked crisp and chopped small.  Reserve 2 T. of grease
1/2 c. diced white onion
1/2 c. diced green pepper
1/2 c. diced red pepper
3 small to medium jalepeno peppers, seeded and diced.  Take as much rib out as you need to to make it the heat you like.

Heat bacon grease in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add onion, green pepper, red pepper, and jalepeno.  Saute for 3-5 minutes until veggies are warm but still a bit crisp.   Set aside.

Cheese sauce
2 c. heavy cream
1 lb (4 c.) shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 lb (1 c.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 lb sliced american cheese
2 oz (1/2 c.) Shredded Gruyere cheese

Topping
1/2 c. panko bread crumbs
2 slices pepper bacon, cooked crisp and chopped small
3 green onions, sliced
Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat cream in large saucepan over medium heat.  When it begins to simmer, slowly add the cheese, mixing well to melt.

Combine the pasta, bacon, veggies and cheese sauce in a large bowl.

Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.  Bake  in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with green onions and bacon.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve hot

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I made a double batch for the Saturday after Thanksgiving with the below modifications.  It could easily serve 15 generous main-meal servings.  Bake it in a large lasagna size baking dish.
Increase the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs of macaroni
• 1 lb bacon + 6 strips for garnish
• 3/4 c. onion
• 3/4 c. green pepper
• 3/4 c. red pepper
• 4-6 small to medium jalapenos

Cheese Sauce
4 c. heavy cream
1 lb. cheddar cheese
3/4 lb. monterey jack or soft white mild cheese, like brick
4 oz. shredded guyerer
1 lb. american cheese

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c = cup
oz = ounce
lb = pound