Description
This Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Made with crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and smoky paprika, this dish delivers a rich, indulgent flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this mac & cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy baked version)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Leave bacon drippings in the pan.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same pan, add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Dish:
- Stir in cooked pasta, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and reserved bacon.
- Optional: For a crispy finish, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Swap whole milk for heavy cream for extra creaminess.
- Use liquid smoke for a vegetarian version instead of bacon.
- Add gruyère or gouda cheese for a richer flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2à minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
