Ingredients for Bacon Macaroni Cheese
- 8 ounces bacon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- Cheddar Cheese
- Elbow Macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pepper
How to Make Bacon Macaroni Cheese
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook 1 pound of macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook 8 ounces of bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside to cool. Reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the bacon fat. Whisk constantly over medium heat for 3 minutes until smooth and lightly browned.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese (or other sharp cheese), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Mix gently to coat evenly.
- Crumble or chop the cooked bacon and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake covered for 35 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
19 g
Sugar
4g
Fat
54g
Carbs
16g
