Quick Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Name: Quick Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni (or other small pasta shape); 6 slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled); 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour; 1.5 cups Whole Milk; 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, or to taste); 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional); 0.25 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Indulge in a quick and satisfying Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender macaroni with a creamy, rich cheese sauce and crispy bacon, offering a high-protein comfort meal that's easy to whip up. It's a delicious way to enjoy a classic with a savory bacon twist.

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Crispy Bacon

Recipe Information

10m

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

30m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

550

Calories

28g

Protein

40g

Carbs

32g

Fat

Creamy Cheese Sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Macaroni Mixed with Sauce

Instructions

0/7 completed

1
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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8m
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Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
8m
Ensure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
2
While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
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7m
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While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
7m
For extra flavor, you can use a small amount of the bacon grease to make your roux instead of butter.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter (or bacon fat) over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
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2m
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In the same skillet, melt the butter (or bacon fat) over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
2m
Cooking the flour for a minute or two helps remove the raw flour taste.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
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4m
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Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
4m
Keep the heat at medium to prevent scorching the milk. Whisk continuously for a smooth sauce.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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3m
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3m
Removing from heat before adding cheese prevents the cheese from separating and becoming grainy.
6
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
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1m
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Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
1m
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved crumbled bacon. Enjoy your quick and delicious cheesy bacon mac and cheese!
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1m
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Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved crumbled bacon. Enjoy your quick and delicious cheesy bacon mac and cheese!
1m
This dish is best served fresh. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of milk.