Macaroni and cheese is always a big hit in my house, especially slow cooker mac and cheese, broccoli mac and cheese and this delectable bacon version.
Macaroni and cheese is always a great dish, but when you add bacon to the mix, it elevates this classic to something really special. This bacon mac and cheese is so simple to make, and it only uses one pan which is always a good thing! Bacon mac and cheese is one of my favorite ways to enjoy bacon flavor. I also love the bacon in my cowboy beans, bacon wrapped pork loin and baked bacon ranch chicken. Why not have a meal with the great, savory flavor of bacon?
How do you make bacon mac and cheese?
For bacon mac and cheese, you first want to cut bacon into small squares and cook it in a pan. Some of the bacon fat gets mixed with flour, milk and water to make a sauce, and the pasta simmers in the sauce until tender. Add a generous amount of cheddar cheese, and stir in the crispy bacon. Add more bacon for garnish, along with a sprinkle of parsley, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for bacon mac and cheese
I use corkscrew pasta in this recipe, it’s sometimes called cavatappi or cellentani. These noodles are heartier than standard elbow macaroni. That being said, if you want to use elbow macaroni or a different type of short pasta, that will also work well. You should use freshly grated cheddar cheese for this recipe. The bagged pre-shredded cheddar cheeses are coated in anti-caking agents and just don’t melt as smoothly. I find that whole milk works best for the creamiest sauce, you can also use half and half or low fat milk. You can use pre-cooked bacon to save on prep time. If you go that route, swap out the bacon fat in the recipe for 2 tablespoons of melted butter. I like to garnish my mac and cheese with a little chopped parsley. You can also use green onions or chives, or omit the herbs entirely.
WHAT IS THE BEST CHEESE TO USE FOR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
The key to macaroni and cheese is using a cheese that melts well. I like to use cheddar because it melts well, it tastes great and has a nice color. You will want to use a medium or sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Avoid the extra sharp aged cheeses. Aged cheddars tend to separate or get oily when heated and do not melt well.
Can you freeze mac and cheese?
You can freeze mac and cheese and it will be good for up to 3 months. Make sure to avoid freezer burn by storing mac and cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag. Thaw the macaroni and cheese in the fridge before you reheat it.
How to reheat mac and cheese
To reheat frozen mac and cheese, place the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Cover the mac and cheese and bake it at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour. Uncover the mac and cheese and let it bake another 10-30 minutes until the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.
This bacon mac and cheese combines classic creamy mac and cheese with the savory crunch of bacon to make an unbeatable combination.
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