Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that transforms the classic mac and cheese into a decadent masterpiece! This Cheesy Bacon Mac Cheese isn't just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, crispy, flavor-packed experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly cooked macaroni smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, punctuated with crispy bacon bits that add an irresistible smoky crunch to every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. You want the mixture to be creamy and smooth.
- Once the milk mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and combined. This will create a rich and cheesy sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it well and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir until all the pasta is well coated with the cheesy goodness.
- Gently fold in the crumbled cooked bacon, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
- If you prefer a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Optionally, you can top it with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you’re not baking, simply serve the mac and cheese hot from the stovetop.
- Once done, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Bacon Mac Cheese!
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce.
- Cook your bacon until it's extra crispy to ensure maximum flavor and crunch.
- For an extra golden top, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Don't overcook the pasta – aim for al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding sharp white cheddar or a touch of gruyere for depth of flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk or pasta water.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
