Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Grand Rapids Garage Bar & Grill›Drunken Mac Recipe

Drunken Mac Recipe

Inspired by Grand Rapids Garage Bar & Grill
Time1h
Serves6

Cavatappi pasta, our signature cheese sauce, thick-cut bacon, seasoned bread crumbs | Add our signature Chicken Tenders for +$4.00

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Cheese Sauce

Bacon

Bread Crumbs

Optional Chicken Tenders

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

  1. 2

    Prepare the Cheese Sauce

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.

  2. 3

    Add Cheese and Seasonings

    Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Cooking Bacon

  1. 4

    Cook the Bacon

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon until crispy. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into pieces.

Combining Ingredients

  1. 5

    Mix the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce and crumbled bacon. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

  2. 6

    Add Bread Crumbs

    Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs evenly on top.

Baking

  1. 7

    Bake the Mac and Cheese

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

Optional Chicken Tenders

  1. 8

    Prepare Chicken Tenders

    If adding chicken tenders, cook them according to package instructions or until golden brown. Slice into strips and serve on top of the mac and cheese.

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