Extra Bacon Mac and Cheese

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove it, setting the bacon aside on paper towels to absorb excess fat.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
7. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything is melted and creamy.
8. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Mix the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon into the cheese sauce until everything is well combined.
10. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
11. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, then sprinkle this mix over the mac and cheese.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Serve hot, and relish in the extra indulgence!

Best ways to enjoy it

This Extra Bacon Mac and Cheese can serve as a standalone dish or be paired with delightful sides. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the mac and cheese beautifully. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or garlic bread can make your meal feel even more sumptuous. For something more festive, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or steak.

Storage and reheating tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick fix or return it to a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to defrost it before reheating!

Helpful cooking tips

1. Perfect Pasta: Make sure not to overcook the macaroni; it will continue to cook when baked.
2. Bacon Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon, such as turkey bacon for a lighter option or even pancetta for a gourmet touch.
3. Cheese Choices: Combine cheese varieties for a richer flavor; try sharp cheddar for a bolder taste or cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Creative twists

Why stick to just one version of this delightful dish? Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Spicy Bacon Mac: Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even tomatoes for extra nutrition.
• Different Cheeses: Swap Mozzarella for Gouda or Havarti to change up the taste and texture.

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare this mac and cheese?

Prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking takes about 20-25 minutes. You can enjoy it on the table in under an hour!

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture ahead of time, assemble everything, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

What if I want to make it gluten-free?

You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni and use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux.

With these insights and tips, you’re all set to create a spectacular Extra Bacon Mac and Cheese that will leave your taste buds singing. Enjoy the cooking journey!

Extra Bacon Mac and Cheese

A creamy, indulgent mac and cheese dish enriched with crispy bacon, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Meat

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 lb bacon, diced Use your preferred bacon type.

Sauce and Cheese

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to swap cheeses.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Topping

• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove it, setting the bacon aside on paper towels to absorb excess fat.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
4. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything is melted and creamy.
5. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining and Baking

1. Mix the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon into the cheese sauce until everything is well combined.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, then sprinkle this mix over the mac and cheese.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve hot, and relish in the extra indulgence!

Notes

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.