Description
Indulge in a creamy and delicious Bacon Mac and Cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon grease and melt over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well. If using, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top of the mac and cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- For a veggie twist, mix in steamed broccoli or spinach before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg