Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your ordinary mac and cheese into an irresistible culinary masterpiece! This isn't just any mac and cheese - it's a creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfect blend of crispy bacon, velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that promises to elevate your dinner game from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces. Reserve 1 cup of crumbled bacon.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for topping. Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles on top of the mac and cheese. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Use room temperature milk when making the cheese sauce to help it blend more smoothly and prevent lumps.
- For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven at 400°F for more even cooking and less mess.
- Choose a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. Aged cheddar provides a more robust taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
- For a golden, crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some gruyère or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
