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Creamy Ultimate Mac and Cheese with Bacon

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A rich and indulgent mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy cheese sauce blended with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, combined with crispy bacon for a smoky crunch. Perfect comfort food that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 thick-cut bacon strips, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon strips until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cool.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden and nutty.
  4. Slowly pour in warmed whole milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and gradually add sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  7. Add drained pasta and chopped bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  8. Optional: Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
  9. Serve immediately, letting it sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. Warm milk before adding to roux to avoid lumps. Cook roux long enough to avoid floury taste. Melt cheese slowly over medium-low heat to prevent graininess. Salt carefully due to bacon and cheese saltiness. Let mac and cheese rest a minute before serving to thicken. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, bacon mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, quick dinner

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/creamy-ultimate-mac-and-cheese-with-bacon-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-beginners/