Crispy Homemade Bacon Shells and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Fans

Crafting a creamy homemade bacon shells and cheese recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a comfort food celebration.

Mac and cheese lovers will adore this decadent twist on a classic favorite.

Crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that elevates every single bite.

Weeknight meals become instantly more exciting with this simple yet indulgent dish.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how minimal ingredients can create maximum satisfaction.

Melted cheese coating perfectly shaped shells creates an irresistible combination that makes you want to dive right in.

Why Homemade Bacon Shells Impress

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Bacon transforms classic mac and cheese with incredible smoky, crispy goodness that elevates every single bite.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe comes together super fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer jalapeños, allowing the dish to match your personal heat preference and satisfy different family members.
• Creamy Cheese Perfection: Velveeta ensures an ultra-smooth, rich sauce that coats pasta beautifully, creating a mouthwatering texture everyone will absolutely love.

Ingredients For Bacon Shells And Cheese

• Pasta Shells: A classic pasta shape that creates perfect pockets for creamy cheese sauce.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy element that adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Velveeta Cheese: A smooth, melty cheese that creates a creamy and luxurious sauce base.

• Half and Half, Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce texture.

• Onion, Green Chilies, Jalapeño: These ingredients bring depth, heat, and a complex flavor profile to the mac and cheese.
• Salt, Spices: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

How To Cook Bacon Shells And Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot of salted water bubbling.

Drop in your pasta shells and cook until they’re tender but still have a slight bite.

Scoop out a half cup of pasta water before draining the shells completely.

Step 2: Transform Bacon into Crispy Delights

Place bacon in a spacious skillet over low heat.

Let the magic happen as the bacon sizzles and turns golden brown.

Once crisp, transfer the bacon pieces to a separate bowl using a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Awaken Flavor Foundations

• Diced onions
• Green chilies
• Jalapeño peppers
• Aromatic spices

Crank up the heat to medium and sauté until onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

Pour half and half into the skillet, stirring gently.

Bring to a delicate simmer and reduce heat.

Slowly incorporate Velveeta, stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Elevate

Add cooked pasta shells, reserved pasta water, and crispy bacon to the skillet.

Stir everything together, ensuring each shell gets coated in the decadent sauce.

Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this irresistible creation while it’s piping hot.

Watch as everyone dives into this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips For Perfect Bacon Shells

• Reserve some bacon grease for sautéing vegetables to intensify the dish's smoky undertones.
• Reduce or remove jalapeños for a milder version, or add extra for heat lovers who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Cut Velveeta into small cubes to help it melt smoothly and prevent clumping in the sauce.
• Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a creamy consistency.
• Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top just before serving for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Flavor Variations For Bacon Shells

• Vegetarian Cheese Shells: Replace bacon with roasted mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based protein alternative that adds rich, savory flavor to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced bell peppers, swap jalapeños for chipotle peppers, and include a sprinkle of chili powder to create a more intense southwestern-style mac and cheese.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute pasta shells with cauliflower florets, keeping the creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.

Best Pairings For Bacon Shells And Cheese

• Bacon Bliss Plating: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top for a crunchy texture and intense flavor punch.
• Spicy Kick Companion: Serve with a side of pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for those who love an extra heat boost.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add some fresh contrast.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Garnish with additional shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese for more depth and cheesy goodness.

Storage Tips For Bacon Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk or water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent uneven warming.
• Pour leftovers into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of milk or cream, stirring constantly until heated through and sauce regains creamy consistency.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop method.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute shells with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or cavatappi. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on the jalapeño and green chilies. For less spice, remove the jalapeño seeds or reduce the quantity. For more heat, keep the seeds or add extra jalapeño.

• What cheese can replace Velveeta?

Processed cheese like American or a mix of cheddar and cream cheese work well. These alternatives will provide similar creaminess and melt smoothly in the sauce.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Use low-fat milk instead of half and half, reduce bacon quantity, and choose leaner bacon cuts. You can also add some vegetables like spinach to increase nutritional value.

Homemade Bacon Shells and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy homemade bacon shells and cheese bring comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with rich, creamy goodness. Crispy bacon bits and perfectly melted cheese create a delightful pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 strips bacon (diced)
• 16 oz velveeta (cubed)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) canned diced green chilies
• 1 jalapeño (diced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 1/2 cups (590 milliliters) half and half
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pasta water

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until perfectly tender, following package guidance. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
2. In a cold skillet, lay bacon strips and render fat over low heat until golden and crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving drippings in pan.
3. Elevate heat to medium and introduce diced onions, green chilies, and jalapeño into the bacon-infused skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Pour half and half into the vegetable mixture, creating a smooth base. Gently simmer, then incorporate Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated.
5. Fold cooked pasta and reserved cooking liquid into the creamy cheese sauce. Add crispy bacon pieces and stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.
6. Allow mixture to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting sauce thicken and flavors meld. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and robust flavor that holds up well in the creamy sauce.
• Adjust jalapeño and green chili quantities to control heat level, making the dish mild or fiery based on personal preference.
• Swap Velveeta with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a more traditional homemade cheese sauce with deeper flavor complexity.
• Reserve pasta water helps create silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats shells without becoming dry or separated.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg