Description
Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon and tender pasta. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, keeping some drippings in the pan.
- Melt butter in the same skillet with drippings. Stir in flour and cook for two minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; bring to a simmer. Add garlic powder and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce, mixing well.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheddar if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg