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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon

creamy baked mac and cheese with crispy bacon - featured image
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A comforting and easy homemade baked mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped crispy
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until smooth and thickened.
  4. Slowly pour in warmed whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the drained macaroni, cheese sauce, and chopped crispy bacon. Mix until evenly coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni mixture.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
  11. Let the mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Tent with foil if breadcrumbs brown too fast. Can assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; add 5 minutes to baking time if baking cold. Leftovers reheat well in oven or skillet. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy bacon, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-bacon-easy-homemade-recipe/