Description
Bacon Mac and Cheese merges comfort with decadence, featuring creamy cheeses and crispy bacon for a delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it bubbles gently.
- Add flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Create the sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Melt the cheese: Lower the heat and add both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until completely melted and velvety.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- (Optional) Bake for extra crunch: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Notes
For a spicier version, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. This dish can also be customized with different cheeses or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, bacon, comfort food, creamy cheese, pasta dish