Fresh Salsa, Mac, Cheese and Bacon Tacos
Fresh Salsa, Mac, Cheese and Bacon Tacos
What happens when you combine beloved Bacon with Mac and Cheese and Salsa and tuck it into a taco shell???? BAM ~ the ultimate bite of glorious deliciousness happens!
I know, I know, that sounds like an exaggeration but wait until you try Fresh Salsa, Mac, Cheese and Bacon Tacos! You will definitely be in Flavor Town!
It’s all about contrasting texture and complimentary flavor! Crispy bacon marries creamy salsa cheese pasta. Crunchy corn taco shells marry fresh bright salsa. Every layer of flavor and texture greet each other in harmony.
Fresh Salsa, Mac, Cheese and Bacon Tacos is my entree entry in #SamsSalsaRecipeChallenge. Actually I could serve this taco as an appetizer; it's so cute!l As an entree or appetizer it definitely get-the-conversation started at a party. #partyfood
I am honored to be selected as one of 30 bloggers showing off fresh and delicious recipes that show off three of the latest Sam’s Fresh Salsas! Each blogger was sent a variety of salsas:
Sam’s Fresh Medium Salsa Verde
Sam’s Fresh Mild Salsa Verde
Sam’s Fresh Pineapple Salsa
What is Sam’s Fresh Salsa?
“Sam’s™ Fresh Salsa has delicious fresh salsas! They pride themselves on using zero preservatives or additives and provide a delicious product that’s versatile. As you can tell I use the fresh salsa as a base of soups, broth, Mac and Cheese, proteins and produce! The salsa is not just a dip but it can definitely as one. I like to think of Sam’s Fresh Salsa as my sous chef who has done all of the chopping!
Sam’s Salsa has zero pastes, preservatives, or additives. Sam’s Salsa freshness creates a a healthy snack or ingredient that is handy to use. Fresh Salsa is made with real ingredients that you can pronounce! Their salsa is never frozen, never heated, always fresh and simply delish!
Get inspired! Follow Sam’s Fresh Salsa
You can purchase Sam’s Fresh Salsa at ShopRite, Acme, and Safeway. If they are not in your local store, ask them to carry Sam’s Fresh Salsa products!
Check out their website and follow Sam’s Fresh Salsa on social media!
Sam’s Fresh Salsa Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
1 12-16 ounce package of bacon, cut in half for faster baking
1 pkg (12 count) stand and stuff taco shells, or homemade taco shells
6 ounces small elbow pasta, 1/2 tablespoon salt for pasta water
4 ounces grated Sharp Cheese
4 ounces grated Colby Jack Cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup Sam’s Fresh Medium Salsa
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup half and half
12 green leaf lettuce leaves
Additional Sam’s Fresh Medium Salsa for taco topping
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange a single layer of bacon on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper. Place into a cold oven for 20 minutes then check and rotate the pan. Check on the bacon every 5 minutes or until it is crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel and pat dry. Chop bacon into bite size pieces after it cools. Set aside.
Crisp taco shells as stated on the package directions.
Cook the pasta as directed in package directions, adding 1/2 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water before adding pasta. Drain pasta; set aside.
Toss together the grated cheese and cornstarch together. Note: This can be done on the work surface that the cheese was grated on.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add 1 cup of Sam's Fresh Medium Salsa, and stir for 30 seconds. Add the garlic, cumin, onion powder, and salt; cook for 2 minutes.
Add half and half to the salsa mixture; cook for 1 minute to warm the cream. Gradually stir the grated cheese into the milk until it becomes a silky sauce, adjust heat to low or medium low as needed.
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until well mixed, adding extra milk for desired creaminess, if needed. Warm for about 2 minutes to meld flavors.
To serve: Take a lettuce leaf about the size of the taco shell. Place about 1/4 cup or more of salsa Mac and cheese on it. Gently place the lettuce wrap pasta into the taco shell. Top with bacon, Sam’s Fresh Salsa and cilantro. Serve with a delicioso smile!
CHECK OUT MY OTHER SAM'S FRESH SALSA RECIPES:
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