Ah, creamy bacon mac and cheese—a dish that melts my heart and brings back so many cozy memories of family gatherings and lazy Sunday afternoons. I remember the first time I made this indulgent delight; I was convinced that anything with bacon and cheese would be a sure-fire hit! And boy, was I right. The aroma wafting through my kitchen drew in friends like moths to a flame, and we happily devoured it all while sharing laughter and stories.
This recipe is not just your average mac and cheese; it’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-decadent. The addition of crispy bacon takes everything to the next level, making it a savory masterpiece that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a comforting dish from scratch like this one that just radiates love in every bite!
What’s in Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese?
Let me break down the glorious ingredients that make this dish so special:
Pasta: I usually go for 8 ounces of shells or elbow macaroni. They have the perfect shape for capturing all that delicious cheese sauce!
Bacon: Four slices of chopped bacon add a crispy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the cheese. Trust me, it’s worth the calories!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of shredded sharp cheddar is the star of the show here. It gives that rich, bold flavor I crave in a mac and cheese.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk (1 cup) lends a lovely creaminess to the sauce, creating that luscious texture we all love.
Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens! Half a cup of heavy cream brings a velvety finish to the sauce that makes it oh-so-decadent.
Butter: I use 2 tablespoons of butter to start building that beautiful roux as the base of our cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Just 2 tablespoons of flour thickens things up nicely, making for a luxurious coating on the pasta.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adding 1 teaspoon of each gives the sauce that delightful depth of flavor that keeps everyone guessing what makes it so darn good!
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course. You want to enhance all those flavors!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkling of chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but some fresh flavor to finish it all off.
Is Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Good for You?
Let’s be real—this recipe is definitely a treat! While it’s not light fare, it does pack some serious taste and certain health benefits:
Pasta: A great source of carbohydrates, which means energy to keep you moving. Opt for whole grain pasta if you’re looking for more fiber!
Bacon: Sure, it’s high in fat, but bacon does contain protein and can boost. Just remember moderation is key—one serving should do the trick!
Cream: The heavy cream adds a luxurious mouthfeel, but it’s also quite high in calories. Again, moderation is essential, especially if you’re indulging on a special occasion!
It’s always a good idea to balance this rich dish with some crunchy vegetables on the side, or even a nice simple salad if you’re feeling virtuous.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces pasta (shells or macaroni)
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 people, but let’s be honest—you might just want to keep it all to yourself!
How to Make Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese?
1. **Cook the Pasta**: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Throw in your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, dreaming of the cheesy goodness to come!
2. **Cook the Bacon**: Get that bacon sizzling in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet (we want that flavor!).
3. **Make the Sauce**: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden, creating a roux.
4. **Add Dairy**: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking as you go to keep the lumps at bay. Pour in the heavy cream and keep whisking until the sauce thickens, around 3-5 minutes. Are you smelling those delicious aromas yet?
5. **Add Seasonings**: Toss in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up, making sure those flavors marry nicely together.
6. **Incorporate Cheese**: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese to your sauce. Stir until melted and super smooth, making it nearly impossible to resist!
7. **Combine Pasta and Bacon**: Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every delicious inch.
8. **Serve**: When you’ve got it all mixed, garnish with chopped parsley for that beautiful finishing touch before diving in!
Crispy Toppings & Other Fun Ideas
Want to elevate your mac and cheese game? You can sprinkle your creamy goodness with breadcrumbs and pop it in the oven for a baked version that gets all crispy and golden on top. Or play with flavors by mixing in different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella. The possibilities truly are endless!
You know, every time I make this dish, it feels like love fills the room. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that same warmth and joy. So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create lasting memories with this creamy bacon mac and cheese. Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your stories! Happy cooking!
