Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any time you crave something indulgent and satisfying. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting dish!

Ingredients

To make this delicious Bacon Mac & Cheese, you’ll need:

• Main Ingredients:
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
  • 6 slices of bacon, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Prepping the Bacon:

1. Dice the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.

Preparing the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Bacon

Achieving Crispy Bacon:

1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Infusing Flavor:

1. Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the butter to the rendered bacon fat and melt over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned.

Steps to a Creamy and Cheesy Sauce:

1. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Cooking the Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta:

1. Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells.

Cooking to Al Dente:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions, to ensure it maintains its texture when combined with the sauce.

Combining Bacon, Pasta, and Sauce

Mixing Everything Together:

1. Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

Ensuring Even Coating:

1. Make sure the pasta and bacon are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.

Baking the Bacon Mac & Cheese

Preparing the Baking Dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

Baking Time and Temperature:

1. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes to Complement:

1. Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option.

Variations

Different Proteins and Add-ins:

1. Try using boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take on this recipe.
2. Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Adjusting the Sauce:

1. For a lighter sauce, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Even Cooking:

1. Make sure the pasta is cooked to al dente and the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
2. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan and cooks evenly.

Balancing the Flavors:

1. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices as desired.

FAQs

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prep the bacon and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Use Different Cheeses?
   • Absolutely, you can use a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
4. How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
   • Add or reduce the amount of paprika and garlic powder to adjust the spice level to your preference.
5. What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
   • You can make substitutions, such as using different cheeses or adding other favorite ingredients.

Conclusion

Bacon Mac & Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy bacon, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

Yield: 8

Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Print

Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any time you crave something indulgent and satisfying. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting dish!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• Caramelized Onions, Optional
• 2 large yellow onions
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Mac and Cheese
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, hickory smoked is great
• 1 lb. medium pasta shells
• 1/4 cup butter, not needed if you have enough bacon drippings
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded.

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions

• Slice the onions into even, ¼-inch slices.
• Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat. Let them reduce and caramelize for 40-50 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Reduce heat to low if they start to cook too fast. When they’re caramelized, remove and set aside.

Cook the Bacon

• While the onions cook: Cut the bacon into thirds, this makes it easy to move them around as they cook for even cooking. Add them to a large, high-walled skillet over low heat and let them cook low and slow until crispy on each side. (Tip: Measure out remaining ingredients while the bacon cooks.)
• Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 4 Tablespoons of bacon drippings. Use butter in place of drippings if you don’t have enough.

Make the Sauce/Cook the Pasta

• Note: Now is a good time to start boiling salted pasta water for the shells.
• Heat the bacon drippings over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
• Add the heavy cream in splashes, stirring continuously. Don’t add it too quickly or the roux will break. Add the milk in the same manner.
• Add the mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cook the pasta until just al dente (refer to package instructions), don’t overcook. Drain.
• Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and let the base cool slightly. Gradually sprinkle in the cheese, stirring continuously until incorporated. Add the caramelized onions, then the drained pasta. Use a silicone spatula to stir until combined.
• Roughly chop the bacon and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese. You may stir some of it in as well.
• Garnish with parsley and serve!