Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are more universally beloved than macaroni and cheese. But what if you could take this classic dish to a whole new level of indulgence? Enter Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, a rich, creamy, and smoky take on the beloved pasta dish. The addition of crispy bacon and the tangy, herby flavors of ranch seasoning transforms this mac and cheese into a show-stopping side dish or even a main course.

This Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, potlucks, or any family gathering. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory bacon, and zesty ranch flavor is the ultimate comfort food. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also super easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a simple cooking process. With the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Comfort Food: It combines two of the most comforting foods: bacon and macaroni and cheese. The creamy cheese sauce, crunchy bacon, and subtle ranch flavor create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and hard to resist.
2. Quick and Easy: You’ll have this dish ready in just under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner or last-minute side for any occasion.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a family dinner or taking it to a potluck, this Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese will always be a hit.
4. Customizable: The recipe is highly versatile. You can switch out the type of cheese, pasta, or even add vegetables to make it your own.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, barbecue, or just a regular weeknight meal, this recipe works for all occasions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon slices to the pan and cook until crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain and Crumble: Once the bacon is cooked and crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Once cooled slightly, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce later.
2. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season the Sauce: Add 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning). Stir well to incorporate the ranch flavor throughout the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add garlic powder and onion powder if desired.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is well coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
2. Add Bacon: Fold in the crumbled bacon, saving some to sprinkle on top for garnish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve: Spoon the Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese into bowls or onto a serving platter.
2. Garnish: Top with extra crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this indulgent dish!

Tips for Success

1. Use Quality Bacon: For the best flavor, opt for thick-cut bacon. It will crisp up better and impart more of that delicious smoky flavor into the dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and affect the texture of the dish.
3. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to swap out the types of cheese in this recipe to suit your preferences. For example, you can use sharp white cheddar, pepper jack, or colby jack for different flavors.
4. Add Vegetables: If you’d like to sneak in some veggies, you can add some sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peppers to the mix for added texture and nutrients.
5. Make It Spicy: For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use jalapeños for a spicy kick.
6. Ranch Dressing Alternative: If you prefer a more pronounced ranch flavor, you can substitute the ranch seasoning packet with 1/4 cup of ranch dressing (or to taste) stirred directly into the cheese sauce.

Variations

1. Bacon and Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese: Add cooked and shredded chicken for extra protein. Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken would all work perfectly in this dish.
2. Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole: To turn this recipe into a casserole, simply transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with extra shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Buffalo Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese: Add a few tablespoons of Buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce for a tangy, spicy twist. You can even mix in some shredded buffalo chicken for an extra flavor boost.
4. Vegetarian Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese: For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian bacon or omit the bacon altogether. You can substitute with sautéed mushrooms, crispy chickpeas, or even roasted cauliflower to add texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect combination of comfort food and flavor-packed goodness. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning, this dish will surely become a staple at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering, or just indulging in a satisfying meal on a cozy night in, this recipe has everything you need to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite!

Yield: 6

Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are more universally beloved than macaroni and cheese. But what if you could take this classic dish to a whole new level of indulgence? Enter Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, a rich, creamy, and smoky take on the beloved pasta dish. The addition of crispy bacon and the tangy, herby flavors of ranch seasoning transforms this mac and cheese into a show-stopping side dish or even a main course.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Bacon
   While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-7 minutes.
   Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
   
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
   In the same skillet used for the bacon, melt the butter over medium heat.
   Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (a thick paste).
   Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, then add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
   
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add half of the crumbled bacon. Stir to combine.
   
5. Serve
   Transfer the bacon ranch macaroni and cheese to a serving dish or individual plates.
   Top with the remaining crumbled bacon and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

Cheese Options: You can use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a Mexican blend for a unique twist on the flavor.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Extra Creamy: For an even creamier texture, add more cream or a dollop of cream cheese when making the sauce.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the bacon ranch macaroni and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.