Dressed Up Bacon Mac and Cheese
Take your comfort food game to the next level with this indulgent Dressed Up Bacon Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, this recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, creating a depth of flavor that elevates every bite. Crispy, smoky bacon adds a burst of savory goodness, while a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping provides the perfect crunch. Seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, this dish is baked to bubbling perfection in just 25 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a decadent comfort food fix, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a gourmet touch!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and crumbled bacon. Mix well and transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6211 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 378.8 g | 486% | |
| Saturated Fat | 215.0 g | 1075% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1095 mg | 365% | |
| Sodium | 9537 mg | 415% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 392.0 g | 143% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 62.9 g | ||
| Protein | 292.3 g | 585% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.8 mcg | 64% | |
| Calcium | 6480 mg | 498% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 2472 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
