Bacon Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
508 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Description
This Bacon Mac and Cheese starts by crisping chopped bacon, then using the rendered fat to create a roux with flour. Adding water and milk produces a smooth sauce that simmers with uncooked pasta and spices including salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor as it softens.
Once the pasta is tender, shredded cheddar cheese is folded in over low heat to create a creamy and cheesy coating. Half the bacon is stirred in, while the rest is reserved for garnishing. Fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness against the smoky, creamy backdrop of the dish.
Serve this comfort food immediately while warm and creamy. Its combination of smoky bacon and cheese-rich pasta makes it a filling and satisfying side or main dish. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 cups milk
- 16 ounces short pasta such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat. Cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan; discard the rest of the fat.
- Add the flour, then whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just thickened.
- Add the milk and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the pasta, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is done.
- Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. If you need to thin the sauce, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in half of the bacon.
- Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top, along with the parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 508 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 508kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 103mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 780mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 376mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 995IU | 20% |
| Calcium | 497mg | 50% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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