Description
Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon for a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this rich dish is not only indulgent but also easy to whip up. With its flavorful layers and satisfying texture, it’s bound to become your go-to recipe whenever you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet.
- Add butter to the skillet with bacon drippings. Once melted, whisk in flour until bubbly.
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously for about 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, then add shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce along with half of the crispy bacon.
- For a crunchy topping, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle remaining bacon on top, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg