Description
Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
12 ounces rotini or elbow pasta
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.
6. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon.
7. Serve the mac and cheese topped with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!
#MacAndCheese #BaconLovers
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow these detailed steps. First, cook your bacon until crispy, then crumble it. While the pasta boils, start the cheese sauce. The roux (butter and flour mixture) is crucial; cook it for a full 90 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste. When adding the milk and cream, pour in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. Remove the sauce from heat before adding the cheeses; this prevents them from breaking and becoming greasy. Finally, fold in the pasta and half the bacon until everything is gloriously combined.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with contrasting elements. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. You can also bake the finished mac and cheese in a dish at 375°F for 15-20 minutes with a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch. For a party, serve it in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, garnished with extra parsley and bacon.
How-to Summary
To make Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese: Cook and crumble bacon, boil pasta. Make a roux with butter and flour. Whisk in milk and cream to create a béchamel sauce. Off heat, stir in cheeses and seasonings until melted. Combine sauce with drained pasta and half the bacon. Garnish with remaining bacon and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Short, sturdy shapes like cavatappi, shells, or penne work well as they hold the creamy sauce.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time? Prepare the dish completely, then store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? It’s not recommended. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the smoothest sauce, shred blocks of cheese yourself.
My sauce is too thick. How do I fix it? Simply whisk in additional warm milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream? You can use all whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a thicker sauce with all milk, increase the roux by 1 tablespoon each of butter and flour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Roux: Cook it only until blonde, not dark brown, for a classic cheese sauce.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: This causes the fats to separate. Always take the sauce off the burner before stirring in the cheese.
- Using Cold Dairy: Using milk straight from the fridge can cause the sauce to thicken unevenly. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before using.
- Rinsing the Pasta: This washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling. Just drain it well.
Conclusion
This Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe transforms simple ingredients into the ultimate comfort food. By mastering the classic cheese sauce technique and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home. The combination of sharp cheddar, savory Parmesan, and smoky bacon is truly irresistible. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.