Southwest Mac and Cheese

Not your ordinary Mac and Cheese by any measure!!
(serves 8)

6 slices sourdough bread
1&1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 cup shredded chipotle gouda
1&1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
Cooking spray
1 T. canola oil
1/2 cup chopped sweet onions
4 oz. Spanish chorizo sausage, chopped into small pieces
6 T. butter, unsalted, divided
3 T. all-purpose flour
2*3/4 t. kosher salt, divided
1/4 t. freshly* ground pepper
1/2 t. Johnny's Garlic Seasoning* or garlic powder
4 cups whole milk
10 oz. uncooked, dry med. shell pasta
1 t. chili powder
1/8 t. smoked paprika*
3 T. finely chopped cilantro
1/2 cup crushed nacho chips

Heat oven to 250. Trim and discard crust from bread then cut bread into 1/4" cubes. Line 10x15" baking sheet with foil. Place cubes on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 mins. or until dry. Remove from oven and put in a med. mixing bowl, set aside. Place all the shredded cheeses in a gallon plastic storage bag, seal and shake bag to combine. Heat oven to 375. Spray a 3 qt. baking dish, set aside. Heat oil in a 8" non-stick skillet on med. heat. Add chopped onions to skillet, sauté for 3 mins.; add chorizo, sauté for 3 mins. Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon to paper towels. In a 2 qt. sauce pan melt butter, remove 3 T. of the melted butter and sprinkle over bread cubes. Stir flour, 1&1/4 t. salt, pepper, and Johnny's into saucepan with melted butter. Gradually stir in milk, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, simmer for 1 min. then remove from heat. In a 4-5 qt. pot bring 2 qts. of water with 1&1/2 t. salt to a boil. add pasta, return to a boil; cook for 6 mins. - pasta should be slightly under cooked. Pour into colander to drain. Return pasta to cooking pot, sprinkle with chili powder and paprika; add white sauce and stir to gently combine. Add cooked onion, chorizo, and 3&1/2 cups of the cheese mixture; stir to blend all ingredients. Cheese does not have to melt. Add crushed nacho chips, cilantro, and remainder of the cheese to bread cubes and toss to combine. Pour pasta into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bread mixture over top and bake for 30-35 mins. or until heat through and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to stand for 5 mins. before serving.

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Have FUN today, and Happy Friday!!

Love

MM