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Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese

A comforting dish with creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon that brings everyone together for seconds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Bacon
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook until al dente for best texture.
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped Adds a crispy, smoky flavor.
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter Creates the base of the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Used to thicken the sauce.
  • 2 cups milk For a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, keeping a bit of the bacon fat for extra flavor if desired.
Cooking
  1. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux.
  2. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
  3. Add the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon into the sauce. Mix well until everything is coated evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Notes

For an extra crunch, add a breadcrumb topping and broil for a few minutes. Mixing in different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan can enhance flavor.