Hey there, food lovers!
It’s your favorite suburban food blogger, back with another recipe that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. Today, we’re diving into the ultimate comfort food – Bacon Mac and Cheese! I mean, come on, who doesn’t love mac and cheese, right? And when you add crispy bacon to the mix…well, let’s just say I’m already drooling. This dish combines the gooey, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the smoky, savory delight of bacon. Perfect for a family dinner or a hearty lunch, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike. So, let’s get started!
### Ingredients:
– 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta you like)
– 6 strips of bacon, chopped
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 2 cups milk (I like to use 2% for a bit of creaminess without being too heavy)
– 3 tbsp butter
– 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: A handful of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### 1. Cook the Pasta:
First things first, let’s get that pasta going. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
#### 2. Sizzle That Bacon:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Ooh, that smell!
#### 3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Now for the magic – the cheese sauce. In a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. You’re aiming for a smooth, bubbly mixture.
Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens – about 5 minutes. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Now, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
#### 4. Combine Everything:
Add the drained macaroni and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every nook and cranny is coated in cheesy, bacony goodness.
#### 5. Optional – Crispy Topping:
If you’re feeling fancy and want that extra crunch, preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle a handful of breadcrumbs on top, and pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
#### 6. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon generous portions into bowls and dig in! This Bacon Mac and Cheese is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but trust me, leftovers (if there are any) reheat pretty well too.
### Personal Tips and Insights:
– **Cheese Choices:** Feel free to play around with different cheese combos! Gruyère and gouda are fantastic if you’re feeling a bit gourmet.
– **Bacon Variations:** Try using turkey bacon or even adding some crumbled sausage for a different twist.
– **Reheating Tip:** Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the mac and cheese creamy and luscious.
I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as my family does. Nothing beats the smile on everyone’s face when they dig into a warm bowl of Bacon Mac and Cheese on a cozy evening. Let me know how it turns out for you, and if you have any personal twists – I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
Happy cooking,
[Your Name] 🧀🥓