Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Irresistible Smoky Bacon Mac Cheese. This delectable dish features creamy macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, complemented by crispy bacon for a savory crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Prepare to delight your family with every cheesy bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Create the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce and half of the bacon.
- Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining bacon and breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg