How to Make Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole

Introduction to Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole

When it comes to comforting, family-friendly meals, it’s hard to beat a classic Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole. This decadent dish combines the irresistible flavors of macaroni and cheese with the smoky, tangy goodness of barbecue sauce and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Mac and cheese casseroles have long been a beloved staple in households across the country, offering a delightfully creamy and cheesy base that can be customized in endless ways. By adding in the bold flavors of BBQ sauce and the savory crunch of bacon, this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole takes the classic to new heights, creating a dish that’s both comforting and craveable.

Whether you’re serving it up as a main course or as a side to your favorite grilled or roasted meats, this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to indulge in a harmonious blend of cheesy goodness, smoky barbecue, and crispy bacon in every bite!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole

To bring this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole to life, you’ll need a delightful assortment of ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed masterpiece. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

• Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape is the perfect choice for this casserole, as its nooks and crannies help to capture the creamy cheese sauce and hold the other ingredients in place.
• Shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The combination of these two cheeses provides a perfect balance of sharp, tangy cheddar and melty, creamy mozzarella, resulting in a luxuriously cheesy sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the mix helps to create an incredibly smooth and creamy texture, ensuring that every bite is rich and indulgent.
• BBQ Sauce: The star of the show, the BBQ sauce lends its sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor to the dish, elevating the mac and cheese to new heights. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
• Cooked Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon adds an irresistible crunch and smoky depth of flavor to the casserole. For a healthier twist, you can use turkey bacon instead of traditional pork bacon.
• Milk, Butter, and Flour: These three ingredients are the foundation for the creamy cheese sauce that coats the pasta, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
• Salt and Pepper: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper helps to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, swap in gluten-free pasta, or even add in some extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach to customize this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole to your liking.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To prepare this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and bakeware:

• Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni and cooking the cheese sauce.
• Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is perfect for making the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for smoothly incorporating the flour into the butter and milk to create a lump-free sauce.
• Casserole Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole pan is the ideal size for assembling and baking the Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole.
• Cooking Spray: Lightly coating the baking dish with cooking spray will prevent the casserole from sticking to the sides.

With these basic kitchen tools and bakeware, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole that’s sure to impress.

How to Make Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole

Ready to dive into the step-by-step process of making this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole? Let’s get started!

Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the BBQ sauce, cooked bacon, salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine and Bake: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. Bake the Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed in all its cheesy, bacon-y glory!

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole is that it lends itself well to a variety of customizations and tweaks to suit your personal preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cheese Variations: Try swapping in different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses to create unique flavor profiles.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or steamed broccoli to add more nutrients and color to the casserole.
• Protein Alternatives: Swap out the bacon for cooked chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• Toppings: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with crispy breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or extra shredded cheese for a delightful textural contrast.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a delightful kick of heat.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole is a true showstopper on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside:

• Crisp Garden Salad: A fresh, leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can help to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread or Rolls: Warm, crusty bread is the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last bit of that creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even a medley of veggies can make for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

For a complete meal, the Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole also pairs beautifully with grilled or baked chicken, pork chops, or even your favorite barbecue-inspired protein. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a delicious and satisfying dinner around this comforting dish.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

While the Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole is undoubtedly a rich and indulgent dish, there are ways to make it a bit more health-conscious without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information and some tips for a lighter version:

Per serving (1/8 of the casserole), the Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole contains approximately:

• Calories: 650
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g

To make a lighter version of this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole, consider the following swaps:

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to boost the fiber and reduce the overall carbohydrate content.
• Opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheese to cut back on the saturated fat and calories.
• Substitute turkey bacon for regular pork bacon to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
• Incorporate more vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or diced tomatoes, to add nutrients and fiber while reducing the overall calorie density.
• Use a lower-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce to minimize the added sugars.

With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole while keeping the nutritional profile a bit more balanced.

FAQs for Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole

What ingredients do I need to make Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole?

To make this delicious casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
• Cooked bacon, chopped
• BBQ sauce
• Shredded cheeses (like cheddar and mozzarella)
• Milk or cream
• Butter
• Flour (for thickening)
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or sliced green onions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as directed, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through. Consider adding a splash of milk to help rehydrate the dish while reheating.

Can I customize the recipe to make it healthier?

Absolutely! To make a healthier version of Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole, consider the following substitutions:

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular elbow macaroni.
• Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon or omit it entirely.
• Use low-fat cheese or a blend of cheese with reduced-fat cream.
• Incorporate vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to add nutrients.

Feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce to a lower-sugar option if you prefer a healthier profile!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Skillet
• BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter
• Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

Print