Description
When it comes to indulgent, soul-warming comfort food, few dishes can rival the sheer bliss of Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese. This creamy, decadent pasta bake is the stuff that dreams are made of – a harmonious blend of tender macaroni, gooey melted cheeses, and crispy, salty bacon, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices crispy bacon, chopped
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the macaroni until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly until the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, paprika (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is fully coated.
4. For the crunchy topping, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped bacon and grated Parmesan.
5. Transfer the cheesy macaroni to a buttered baking dish and sprinkle the bacon-breadcrumb topping generously over the top. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until the topping is crispy and the edges are bubbly. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley, if desired, and serve piping hot.
Notes
The key to making the best Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese is using high-quality, full-fat dairy products. Whole milk and a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella cheeses will result in the most luxurious, velvety cheese sauce.
For an extra crispy topping, you can also broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 70
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 60