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Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a comforting dish of creamy baked mac and cheese, enhanced with crispy bacon and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for any meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about a tablespoon of salt.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (7-8 minutes). Stir occasionally.
  3. Drain the macaroni and set aside. Rinsing with cold water is optional.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  5. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  6. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  7. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth and thickened (3-5 minutes).
  8. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  9. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  10. Fold in the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon until well combined.
  11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  12. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
  13. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
  14. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  15. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  16. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding more spices or herbs to the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute the bacon with cooked sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://homecookmaria.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-with-bacon/