Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe. This creamy pasta dish features a luxurious blend of gruyere and cheddar, enveloping perfectly cooked medium pasta shells. Crispy hickory-smoked bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates each bite. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a delightful choice for any occasion, from family dinners to cozy nights in. Customize this dish by incorporating your favorite vegetables or swapping cheeses to suit your taste. Serve it hot, topped with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 strips thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon
- 1 lb medium pasta shells
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Slice onions (if using) into ¼-inch slices and caramelize in butter and olive oil until golden.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then reserve drippings.
- In the same skillet, whisk together flour and reserved bacon drippings over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add heavy cream and milk while stirring continuously until smooth.
- Stir in mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce; let simmer.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Mix in the cheddar and gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta, caramelized onions (if using), and chopped bacon; stir until well-coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg