Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of our Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole Delight! This hearty dish combines perfectly cooked macaroni with rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and a crunchy breadcrumb layer for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
4 slices of bacon, chopped
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. 3. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
5. 4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
6. 5. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
7. 6. Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
8. 7. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
9. 8. Combine the cooked macaroni and bacon with the cheese sauce, mixing well.
10. 9. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
11. 10. Top with breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of additional cheese if desired.
12. 11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13. 12. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
14.
Notes
– For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
– This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
– Feel free to substitute the cheeses according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, casserole, bacon, comfort food