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Homemade Bacon Shells and Cheese Recipe

Homemade Bacon Shells and Cheese Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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