Ultimate Comfort Food: Bacon Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like a heaping serving of warm, gooey mac and cheese, enhanced with the savory crunch of bacon. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your comfort food cravings, and it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Get your taste buds ready for a creamy, cheesy adventure with a salty, smoky twist.
Ingredients:
- 400g elbow macaroni
- 6 strips of thick-cut bacon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble when cool, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to stir as the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well until evenly coated.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for topping.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining crumbled bacon. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
This Bacon Mac and Cheese is not just filling, but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the nostalgia of home-cooked meals. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and crispy textures, and the bacon adds a depth of flavor that takes this classic dish to new heights.
Pro Tips:
- For an extra creamy texture, you can add an extra splash of milk or cream to the cheese sauce if it seems too thick.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect blend that suits your taste.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce can bring out a unique, nutty flavor.