What is comfort food? What makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and forget about the world? Forget your diet, forget your worries, just pure, cheesy bliss. What exactly is Bacon Mac and Cheese? Is it like your favorite childhood mac and cheese grew up, got a little sophisticated, and decided to make it your own? Add bacon to a party! Is it better than pizza? What are some of the best meals that will put a smile on your face? What is the best combination of cheese and bacon?

What is Bacon Mac and Cheese?

Is it a good upgrade to the classic mac and cheese? It’s essentially creamy, cheesy pasta elevated to a whole new level with the addition of crispy, onion-like mushrooms. The bacon adds a salty, savory element that perfectly complements the richness of cheese sauce. Is it a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures that’s incredibly satisfying? We’re talking tender pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce, studded with bits of perfectly cooked bacon. What are some of the best family recipes for this dish? From a potluck gathering to supper on weeknights. How do you make a macaroni from scratch? How do I get amazing results?

Why do I love this recipe?

What is Bacon Mac and Cheese? What I love about this is the flavor explosion you get in every bite. The creamy, cheesy sauce is perfectly balanced by the salty bacon. What is the best flavor combination? Is it incredibly easy to make? What is the easiest recipe to make in under an hour? What are some of the most budget friendly meals to eat? Can you get good bacon flavor without spending a lot of money? What are some of the most versatile recipes out there? What are some good ways to add cheese to a meal? Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity? Is baked feta pasta the perfect food to serve when you have guests?

How do I make Bacon Mac and Cheese?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to make Bacon Mac and Cheese? What is the best way to cook bacon? How do you make a Creamy cheese sauce with roux? ) Next, you’ll cook your pasta and combine everything together with the bacon. After baking, you’ll bake it in the oven until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Is it easier to order a meal online than takeout?

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:
* 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape) * *
* 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (whole milk is best for creaminess, but I’ve used 2% with success)
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I like a mix of sharp and mild)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do I clean a mac and cheese?

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside. Be sure to save about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet – this will add amazing flavor to the cheese sauce!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. I always cook my pasta al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet (with the reserved bacon grease), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is your roux, and it’s essential for a thick and creamy cheese sauce. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add the Cheese & Seasonings

Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until cheese is melted and smooth. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Bake

Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it – you want the top to be nicely browned, but you don’t want it to dry out.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set up a bit and prevents it from being too runny.

What to Serve It With

What are some good side dishes to serve with Bacon Mac and Cheese?What’s a good weeknight dinner? A simple green salad or steamed broccoli adds a touch of freshness and helps balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
For a Potluck:What are some good salads to serve with Coleslaw?For a Special Occasion:What are some good side dishes to serve with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a side of BBQ ribs? My family tradition is to serve it with a slice of garlic bread. It is amazing!

What are some Tips for perfecting a Bacon Mac and Cheese?

What is the best way to take Bacon Mac and Cheese to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?Bacon Perfection: For extra crispy bacon, cook it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bacon. Applewood smoked bacon adds a delicious sweetness, while peppered bacon adds a little kick.
What are some cheese sauce secrets?What is the best cheese to use for flavor? I prefer a mix of sharp and mild cheddar, but you can also add Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or any combination of both. Is there a little bit of Cream Cheese for extra creaminess? If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.Pasta Power:Don’t overcook your pasta! Is it possible to cook pasta in the oven? What are the best recipes for Cavatappi, rotini or shells?Baking Brilliance If you want a really crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for a minute or two before removing it from the oven. Just be sure to watch it closely, as it can burn quickly.
I also like to add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity that really elevates the dish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s How to store and reheat your Bacon Mac and Cheese:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving mac and cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may need to add a little milk or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good.
I always add a little extra cheese on top before reheating – it makes it extra gooey and delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, spinach, or roasted vegetables all make great additions. Add them to the mac and cheese before baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

I prefer to shred my own cheese, as it melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. But if you’re short on time, pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch.

What if my cheese sauce is lumpy?

If your cheese sauce is lumpy, try whisking it vigorously or using an immersion blender to smooth it out. You can also strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my ultimate recipe for Bacon Mac and Cheese! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. I truly believe that everyone needs a go-to mac and cheese recipe, and this one is definitely mine. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes for more delicious dinner ideas. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!

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