Description
Indulge in a creamy bowl of Irresistible Smoky Bacon Mac Cheese, where smoky bacon meets rich, velvety cheese for an unforgettable flavor experience. This comforting dish, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, is perfect for cozy nights or lively gatherings. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold in cooked macaroni and crispy bacon.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle panko on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg