Description
Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy bacon and a crunchy topping for an irresistible dish. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling.
4. 4. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. 5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
6. 6. Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. 7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. 8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
9. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. 10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Feel free to use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: bacon, mac and cheese, casserole, comfort food