Soul Food Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Pepper Jack

Cooking Temperature

• Temper eggs properly by slowly adding 1 cup of hot milk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Pour tempered eggs back into saucepan off heat and stir vigorously.

• Cook bacon until crispy and fat is fully rendered, about 8-10 minutes. Final dish should reach 165°F internal temperature when baked at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Cross Contamination

• Use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw bacon. Wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling raw bacon before touching other ingredients or surfaces.

• Avoid letting raw bacon drippings splash into the cheese sauce. Use only 2 tablespoons of reserved drippings and discard the rest safely.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking in airtight containers. Consume within 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F throughout before serving.

High Risk Population

• This dish contains dairy, eggs, and meat. Serve promptly after cooking. If serving to young children, elderly, pregnant individuals, or immunocompromised persons, ensure thorough cooking and proper holding temperature above 140°F.

Equipment Safety

• Cast iron skillet handles retain heat and can cause burns. Use dry pot holders or oven mitts when handling. Never place hot skillet on wet or cold surfaces.

• Hot cheese sauce and bacon fat can cause severe splatter burns. Add ingredients carefully and stand back when adding dairy to hot mixtures.

Handling

• When combining hot pasta with cheese sauce, add pasta gradually while stirring to prevent sauce temperature dropping too quickly, which can cause uneven coating.

Shelf Life

• Dairy and egg-based dishes have limited shelf life. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours total. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months if needed.