Bacon Loaded Mac N Cheese Recipe

Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Mac N Cheese

• 6 slices bacon
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Elbow Macaroni
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine or butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• Salt to taste
• Ground Black Pepper

How to Make Bacon Loaded Mac N Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry 6 slices of bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
3. Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
4. In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter or margarine in the reserved bacon grease. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
5. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Bring to a simmer.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Add a little reserved pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
8. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.