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Cheesy Pull Shot of Bacon Mac and Cheese off the Skillet
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Bacon Mac and Cheese

Our classic favorite mac and cheese gets a quick revamp with the addition of crispy bacon bits for added savory goodness. And it has the same creamy and cheesy delight from a trio cheese combo - Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar. This super easy and delicious dinner is perfect for the whole family with or without occasion. 
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Baking Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 405kcal
Author Imma

Ingredients

  • 8 ounce (200g) uncooked macaroni,
  • 8 ounce (226g) bacon, thick cut
  • 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 3 tablespoons (24g) flour
  • 1 12-ounce can (355ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • ¾ cup (177ml) broth or milk
  • ½-1 teaspoon (2-4g) Creole seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon (.5g) cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup (50g) mozzarella cheese, grated
  • ½ cup (50g) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté bacon until brown and crisp this may take 6-7 minutes. Remove from pan and place on paper towel to drain and cool.
  • Scoop out bacon fat; you may use it instead of butter if desired.
  • Add the butter to cast iron or skillet and, as soon as butter melts, add garlic and onions. Saute until onion wilts - about 3 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour, continue whisking until it's thoroughly mixed with onions, and then cook for about a minute.
  • Slowly add evaporated milk a little at a time, followed by milk and broth; you do not want the mixture to form any lumps. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. 
  • Add Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue simmering gently for about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the cheese mix and continue stirring until everything melts, evenly combines, and is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Then add the pasta and bacon, stirring to incorporate everything evenly. Transfer the pasta mixture into a pan or lightly greased 2-quart baking dish, then top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake at 375F°/190℃ for 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with remaining bacon and bread crumbs if desired. 

Bread Crumbs Toppings

  • Place a small skillet on medium heat with a tablespoon or two of butter, then toss in a teaspoon minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
  • Throw in bread crumbs, saute for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and slightly brown. Lightly season with salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Make sure to not fully cook your pasta to avoid overcooking it since we will bake it later.
  • Don't forget to drizzle some oil on the cooked pasta, so it doesn't stick together while making the sauce.
  • For best results, I suggest buying blocks of cheese and shredding them yourself because pre-shredded bagged cheese is drier, and there's other stuff added that you might not want to eat.
  • Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 250g | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 510mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Calcium: 298mg