A popular dish, somehow made even better!
Other than folks who are lactose intolerant, who doesn’t love a bowl of mac and cheese? Most of us probably grew up eating it regularly and loving it. There is no reason why that ever needs to change — but the trick is to make it seem like mac and cheese is a slightly more sophisticated meal for adults. The answer could be adding bacon and a few spices to help make this main course a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Keep in mind there’s nothing overly complicated or complex about mac and cheese. It’s still rich and filled with creamy goodness. The only difference with this recipe is that you’re adding bacon, smoked paprika, and a few other spices that help give the mac and cheese different textures and tastes. In other words, if you like traditional mac and cheese, this recipe is going to knock your socks off.
Is Bacon Mac And Cheese Healthy?
Unfortunately, bacon mac and cheese is a recipe that should be enjoyed every now and then in moderation because it’s not a health-conscious recipe. The dish contains 31 grams of fat, including 16 grams of saturated fat per serving. It also has levels of sodium and cholesterol that some folks need to watch out for. However, there is a silver lining. The bacon in this mac and cheese can be a source of protein, while the cheese provides a healthy dose of calcium. So, it’s not all indulgence with no benefit.
Cooking Bacon And Choosing Cheese
Since bacon is the operative ingredient in this recipe, it’s best to pay close attention to how you cook it. One thing I’d recommend would be to cut each slice of bacon into thirds so that it cooks evenly. It’s also a good idea to cook the bacon slowly and keep it at a low temperature. Doing this will help produce crispy bacon without burning it.
Likewise, pay attention to the cheese being used in this recipe. The recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella, but feel free to use the types of cheese you prefer. Either way, try to grate the cheese yourself rather than using store-bought cheese that comes pre-shredded. If you take care of this part yourself, the cheese will blend together better with the rest of the dish when it melts, leading to a richer and creamier bowl of mac and cheese.
How to Make Ahead and Store
If there are leftovers of your bacon mac and cheese, refrigerate them in an airtight container. The leftovers should remain good for 2 or 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing bacon mac and cheese with a vegetable side dish is usually the best way to go. Broccoli, in particular, is a great complement to this dish, so we might recommend a side dish of Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan or simple Grilled Broccoli. Other vegetables you may want to try include Air-Fryer Zucchini and Shaved Brussels Sprouts. Last but not least, consider some Low-Carb Keto Creamed Spinach as a side for your bacon mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 slices of bacon chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook macaroni al dente according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper into the milk mixture.
- Remove from heat, add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, add half of the bacon, and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top mac and cheese with remaining bacon and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment