Ah, Bacon Mac and Cheese! Is there anything quite as comforting and indulgent as a creamy, cheesy bowl of macaroni snuggled up with crispy bits of bacon? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I first discovered this heavenly dish during my college years, late-night snackin’ with friends in the dorm kitchen (which, let’s be real, was basically a culinary battlefield). We cooked up many variations, but the blend of gooey cheese, tender pasta, and salty bacon became an instant favorite. Even now, whenever the craving strikes, I’m whisked back to those carefree college days.
The great thing about Bacon Mac and Cheese is how truly versatile it is. Whether you’re having a cozy movie night, a backyard barbecue, or just craving comfort food, it always fits the bill. Plus, it’s really easy to whip up! So, let me share with you this delicious recipe that’s sure to make your taste buds sing and possibly create some mouthwatering memories of your own.
What’s in Bacon Mac and Cheese?
Pasta: I usually go for elbow macaroni, because, let’s face it, it’s the classic choice! The shape holds onto the cheese beautifully, delivering that gooey goodness bite after bite. You can also substitute with cavatappi or shells for a fun twist, but elbow is the way to go for nostalgia.
Cheddar Cheese: A must-have for any mac and cheese! I love using sharp cheddar for that punchy flavor that melds so perfectly with the creaminess. If you want a richer flavor, try a blend of sharp and mild cheddar.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a touch of smoothness and creaminess to your macaroni. You can also swap in some Pepper Jack if you’re feeling adventurous and want a spicy kick!
Bacon: Crispy, crunchy, and incredibly tasty! I prefer to use thick-cut bacon for that satisfying bite, and you can cook it extra crispy for an added texture contrast. Let’s be honest; everything is better with bacon.
Milk and Heavy Cream: This duo creates that silky, luscious cheese sauce. Whole milk is typically my go-to, but the heavy cream adds a delightful richness that elevates the entire dish. If you’re feeling a little guilty, you can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead.
Butter: The golden, melty goodness needed to create your roux. Plus, I personally believe butter makes everything better.
Flour: This will help thicken the cheese sauce, creating that dreamy texture we all love.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder): Simple yet essential! I also love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for some extra warmth and depth of flavor. It really enhances the overall experience!
Is Bacon Mac and Cheese Good for You?
Well, you might not want to serve this every day if you’re looking for something ultra-healthy, but let’s talk about what it does offer!
Bacon: While bacon gets a bad rap sometimes, it does provide protein and essential vitamins like B12. Moderation is key, though, as it’s high in saturated fats.
Cheese: Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, offering some nutritional benefits. However, it is also high in calories and fat, so if you’re watching those intake levels, you might want to keep an eye on your portion sizes.
Pasta: Carbohydrates from pasta provide energy, especially important if you’re tackling an active day. Opting for whole wheat pasta can offer more fiber too.
That said, you can make healthier choices here if you’d like. Consider substituting with whole grain pasta, using leaner cuts of bacon or turkey bacon, or reducing the cheese for extra flavor from herbs and spices. Remember, this dish is meant for indulgence, but you can still be mindful about it!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your pasta shape of choice)
– 8 ounces thick-cut bacon
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
– ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, depending on the portion size. I personally enjoy going back for seconds, so plan accordingly!
How to Make Bacon Mac and Cheese?
1. **Cook the pasta:** In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. **Cook the bacon:** In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. If you want to save time, feel free to cook the bacon in your oven or microwave!
3. **Make the cheese sauce:** Once the bacon is done, use the same skillet. Drain some of the bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the butter and let it melt. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it returns a slightly golden color.
4. **Add milk and cream:** Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, letting it thicken. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, usually about 5-7 minutes.
5. **Add cheese:** Next, slowly add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce, reserving a little bit for topping later. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is nice and creamy.
6. **Combine:** Toss in the drained pasta, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until the pasta is fully coated in the cheese sauce.
7. **Transfer and bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer your mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Top it with the reserved cheese, along with a few more crumbled bacon bits if you like.
8. **Bake:** Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. If you want a crispier topping, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it!
9. **Serve and enjoy:** Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in! Nothing beats the bliss of digging your fork into this cheesy delight.
Delicious Tips and Variations for Bacon Mac and Cheese
So you’ve whipped up your Bacon Mac and Cheese, but why stop there? Here are some of my favorite variations and tips to keep things exciting:
– **Add Veggies:** Sneak in some veggies like broccoli, spinach, or tomatoes for added nutrients. They make a great contrast to the richness of the cheese.
– **Spice It Up:** Feeling adventurous? Try adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
– **Different Cheeses:** Play around with other cheese varieties! Gouda, Gruyère, or even a sprinkle of feta can lend a delicious twist to the classic flavor.
– **Baked Stuffed Goodness:** Get creative by stuffing this mac and cheese into baked potatoes or hollowed-out bell peppers before baking.
– **Don’t Forget the Crust:** For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some panko bread crumbs mixed with melted butter on top right before baking!
– **Gather Around:** This dish is perfect for gatherings. You can easily double or triple the recipe, making it a go-to comfort food for potlucks or family dinners.
So there you have it! A delicious, cozy, and utterly satisfying recipe for Bacon Mac and Cheese. I hope you’ll take the plunge and recreate this indulgent dish. Trust me; every cheesy, bacon-y bite is bound to bring you joy!
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. I would love to hear how it turns out for you, and if you come up with some fun twists, please share them! Happy cooking!
