Description
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.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup BBQ sauce
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 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.
4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the BBQ sauce, cooked bacon, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe with different cheeses, gluten-free pasta, or added vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
You can also make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg