Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Loaded Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe. This dish combines the rich flavors of creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon bits, creating a decadent pasta experience that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 egg
8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for an extra crunch)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux, mixing thoroughly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the thickened milk mixture. Stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
In a small bowl, beat the egg until well combined, then stir it into the mac and cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top and add breadcrumbs if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
