Macaroni and cheese with bacon, oh! The mere mention of it evokes all the comforting, warm feelings of spending a cold evening with a favorite film while bundled up in a blanket. This dish, which is creamy, cheesy, and full of bacon’s smoky goodness, is like a big hug in a bowl. The first time I prepared this recipe for my friends at a college potluck is still fresh in my mind. It was invaluable to see the joy on their faces as they sunk their teeth into the rich layers. They practically pleaded with me for the recipe!
The ideal harmony of flavors is what makes this Bacon Macaroni and Cheese so exceptional. You have the comforting softness of the macaroni, the golden bacon’s satisfying crunch, and the rich, nuttiness of the cheese. It’s a true culinary trifecta! It’s also quite easy to prepare, which makes it ideal for impressing guests at special events or weeknight dinners. So let’s not waste any more time and get started on what you’ll need to make this handmade comfort food!
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese: What Is It?
Elbow Macaroni: The traditional macaroni and cheese pasta, elbow pasta is perfectly shaped to contain the rich cheese sauce. If possible, I always choose the whole grain variety since it adds a little more nutrition without compromising taste.
Bacon: Well, the main attraction! Bacon perfectly balances the dish’s creaminess with a smoky, salty kick. For a robust flavor and a satisfying chew, I suggest using thick-cut bacon. For a sweet touch, try using maple or applewood-smoked bacon, among other varieties!
Butter: An essential component of the roux, butter gives the sauce depth and richness. To better control the dish’s saltiness, use unsalted butter.
The base for the cheese sauce is made from roux, which is made with all-purpose flour. It ensures that no noodle is left behind by thickening the sauce so that it adheres to every macaroni piece!
Milk: For a nice, creamy texture, whole milk is best. But if you want to lighten things up a bit, you can also use low-fat milk. Just be aware that there might be some variation in the creaminess.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A strong, distinctive flavor is why I adore a good sharp cheddar. Try experimenting with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Fontina, or Gruyère, for a unique take on the traditional!
Breadcrumbs: For a crispy, delectable garnish! Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and give a nice crunch, so that’s what I usually use. For added taste, you can also combine them with a small amount of parmesan cheese.
Does Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon Have Health Benefits?
Let’s now take a moment to be honest! Let’s examine how bacon mac and cheese fits into a balanced diet, even though it’s not exactly a health food.
Whole Grain Elbow Macaroni: Choosing whole grain pasta adds fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and prolongs feelings of fullness.
Bacon: Although high in protein, bacon can also be high in sodium and saturated fat, so it’s best to use it sparingly. To add that wonderful smoky flavor, you don’t need much.
Dairy: The calcium and protein found in milk and cheese are great for your bones and general well-being. Just keep in mind that if you’re watching your calorie intake, you should choose dairy products with less fat.
Overall, I think everything can be consumed in moderation, even though this isn’t a dish you would want to eat every day. It becomes a wonderful comfort food that makes you happy without causing too much guilt if you treat it like a special meal instead of a regular one.
List of Ingredients
One pound of elbow macaroni, preferably whole grain
Six thick-cut bacon slices, chopped; four tablespoons of butter
Three cups of whole milk (or low-fat milk, if you’d rather) and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Four cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
One cup of panko breadcrumbs
To taste, add salt and pepper. For extra taste, you can add half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
About six people can be fed with this recipe, but I promise you’ll want to make extra for leftovers!
How Can Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Be Made?
Now, let’s move on to the exciting part! Here’s a step-by-step recipe for this delicious Bacon Mac and Cheese:
1. Prepare the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on the package until it’s al dente. After draining, set aside.
2. Prepare the bacon: Cook the chopped bacon in a big skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Usually, this takes six to eight minutes. Don’t throw away the bacon grease in the skillet just yet; instead, move the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra grease.
3. Prepare the Roux: Melt the butter over medium heat in the same skillet as the bacon grease. Sprinkle the flour on top of the melted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is light golden brown, about 2 minutes.
4. **Incorporate Milk:** Whisk in the milk gradually while stirring for a further three to five minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken. As the sauce becomes creamier, you’ll witness the magic!
5. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (and any additional cheese you choose to use) after lowering the heat to low. Stirring continuously, it will melt completely into a smooth sauce. Remember to add salt, pepper, and, if using, garlic powder for seasoning.
6. **Combine Everything:** Stir the cheese sauce into the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
7. Topping with bread crumbs: Combine the panko breadcrumbs and a tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl. When baked, this gives them their stunning golden hue.
8. Move to the Baking Dish: Fill a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with the macaroni and cheese mixture after it has been greased. Evenly distribute it, then top with the buttery breadcrumbs.
9. **Bake:** Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown.
10. Present and Savor: Let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. Then take a large spoonful and eat! If you want a side dish, this goes well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Let’s Use Our Creativity! Different Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Are you feeling daring? To improve your Bacon Macaroni and Cheese game, try these variations:
**Macaroni and Cheese with Truffle:** Just before serving, drizzle with truffle oil for a sophisticated touch that will wow your guests.
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese: For added spiciness, stir in a couple tablespoons of buffalo sauce and some shredded rotisserie chicken.
**Veggie Loaded:** For extra nutrients, add some steamed spinach or broccoli. Cheese makes everything taste better, doesn’t it?
Smoky Barbecue: For a tasty BBQ Mac, replace the bacon with pulled pork or smoked sausage and add a small amount of BBQ sauce.
Enjoy it with all of your loved ones, regardless of how you make it. It’s the ideal way to spend treasured moments and more than just a meal with each other.
I hope you decide to make this Bacon Macaroni and Cheese soon! As friends eat a delectable, cheesy feast, I can practically hear their joyful conversation. Let me know how yours turns out or any interesting twists you come up with because, as I always say, good food is meant to be shared! My friends, have fun in the kitchen!
