Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe. Learn how to make this delicious dish that will satisfy all your cravings.
Ingredients
- – 12 ounces (340 g) beef bacon, chopped
- – 2 tablespoons (15 ml) flour
- – 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) water
- – 4 cups (960 ml) milk
- – 16 ounces (450 g) uncooked short pasta such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
- – 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) garlic powder
- – 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) onion powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) smoked paprika
- – 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) pepper
- – 4 cups (450 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- – 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped parsley
Instructions
- Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet on medium-high flame. Cook until it becomes crispy, taking about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.
- Retain 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet; get rid of the excess fat.
- Introduce the flour to the skillet and mix until well-blended, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the water, stirring until it is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Pour in the milk and continue stirring until fully mixed.
- Add the pasta, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper to the skillet, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the pasta is fully cooked.
- Lower the flame, then fold in the cheddar cheese. Keep mixing until the sauce is smooth. Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, if you need to make the sauce thinner.
- Mix in half of the cooked bacon pieces.
- Scatter the remaining bacon on top and garnish with parsley. Serve right away.
Notes
- Try using sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Add chopped broccoli or diced bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Enhance the dish’s spiciness with a touch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
