Mac & Cheese
Indulge in this creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe, a dish that embodies comfort and warmth with every bite. This delightful pasta bake features perfectly cooked shells enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, complemented by the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this mac and cheese is both quick to prepare and universally loved by family and friends. You can even customize it with your favorite vegetables or alternative proteins for a unique twist. Gather around the table and enjoy this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. medium pasta shells
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Optional: turkey bacon or chicken sausage
Instructions
- Caramelize onions by slicing them and cooking slowly in butter and olive oil until golden brown (40-50 minutes).
- Cook bacon (or substitute) in a skillet over low heat until crispy.
- In the same skillet, whisk flour into reserved drippings until golden brown, then gradually add heavy cream and milk while stirring.
- Stir in mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce; bring to a boil then simmer.
- Cook pasta shells al dente as per package instructions; drain.
- Gradually mix cheeses into the sauce until melted; fold in caramelized onions and pasta.
- Add chopped bacon or alternative; serve garnished with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Find it online: https://prrecipe.com/bacon-mac-cheese-recipe/