Smoky Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
489 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Smoky Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Description
This recipe features elbow macaroni cooked al dente and then mixed into a cheese sauce made by creating a roux of butter and flour, then adding milk, half-and-half, and Dijon mustard. The sauce is enriched with shredded Colby Jack and smoked Gouda cheeses, which provide creaminess and a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Crisp cooked bacon tossed through adds savory, smoky notes and texture.
The dish has a rich, velvety texture with a balance between the smooth cheese sauce and chunky bacon pieces. The smoky Gouda and bacon complement each other well, while the mustard provides a gentle sharpness to cut through the richness. It can be served as a main comfort food or as a side to grilled or roasted meats.
Although specific tips were not included, the recipe implies careful cooking of the roux to avoid lumps and monitoring the macaroni doneness to maintain firmness. Using freshly shredded cheese assures better melting and flavor.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup Bacon chopped, cooked
- 3 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cups gouda cheese shredded, smoked
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Chop cooked bacon, set aside.
- In a sauce pan, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until there are no lumps. Add in milk and half & half. Bring to a simmer. Stir in Dijon mustard.
- Add shredded Colby Jack cheese and smoked Gouda cheese.
- Add cooked macaroni into the sauce and stir to combine. Add the bacon and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 489 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 489kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 590mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 315mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 686IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 462mg | 46% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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