For bacon enthusiasts, this macaroni and cheese recipe is an absolute treat. Paired with a fresh salad or sliced tomatoes, it makes for a deeply satisfying meal. Get ready to savor the rich flavors of crispy bacon and creamy cheese in every bite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 6 strips of bacon
- 4 green onions, finely sliced (optional)
- Dash of garlic powder
- Breadcrumbs
- Ground black pepper
- Salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Instructions:
- Prepare Bacon:
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until it’s brown and crispy. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Once cooled, crumble it into bits.
- Create Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped green onions (if using) and a dash of garlic powder. Stir until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and continue to stir. Gradually add milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese:
- Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine with Macaroni:
- Mix in the cooked macaroni, ensuring it’s well-coated with the cheese sauce.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top it with the crumbled fried bacon and the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy finish.
- Baking:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 650
- Total Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 26g
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- Feel free to omit green onions if you prefer a milder flavor or if you’re not a fan of onions.
- Adjust the amount of bacon to suit your taste, adding more for an extra bacon punch.
- Don’t shy away from seasoning; adding a dash of garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhances the overall flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda, for a unique twist.