Cheesy Bacon Mac Recipe
Our mac & cheese with bacon and more cheddar! 530Calories25gFat950mgSodium57gCarbs22gProtein2gFibre
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese Sauce
Bacon & Topping
Method
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium pot with a pinch of salt. Add 3 cups elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente according to package instructions (about 7–8 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- 2
Make roux
In the same pot over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and smells slightly toasty but not browned.
- 3
Add milk and thicken
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4–5 minutes.
- 4
Finish cheese sauce
Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 oz softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika (if using). Gradually stir in 2.5 cups sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup mild cheddar, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in up to the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water 1–2 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- 5
Combine with pasta
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Keep warm over very low heat while you prepare the bacon and topping.
Bacon & Topping
- 6
- 7
Prepare breadcrumb topping
Using the same skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast for 2–3 minutes until golden, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and mix with 1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar and the chopped bacon (reserve about 2 tbsp bacon for garnish).
- 8
Assemble and serve
Spoon the cheesy macaroni into a serving dish or individual bowls. Sprinkle the bacon-panko-cheddar topping evenly over the mac. Garnish with reserved bacon pieces and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.