Easy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword easy-bacon-mac-and-cheese, macaroni-and-cheese-recipes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 440kcal

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water per the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain well.
Cook bacon until crisp over medium-high heat. Remove to paper towels, then chop. Reserve 3 Tbsp drippings in pot.
To a large deep skillet or pot add butter to bacon drippings melting over medium high heat. Add flour, mixing until fully absorbed. Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk, salt, pepper, ground mustard, paprika, granulated garlic and onion powder. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add cubed Velveeta. Lower heat to medium, stirring until melted.
Add macaroni and crumbled bacon to skillet, mix well. (reserve some bacon for garnishing.) Thin sauce with reserved 1 cup of milk, adding more or less as needed to thin. (Likewise, you can thicken further with 2 Tbsp all purpose flour in just enough cold milk to dissolve.) Simmer for 5-10 minutes over medium heat.
Serve immediately garnished with crumbled bacon and green onions, if desired.

You can sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. When using an oven safe skillet or pot, sprinkle with shredded cheese and pop it under the oven broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown. You could also add crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter for texture.
You could add 1 cup of petite green peas or steamed chopped broccoli florets to the macaroni for a one pot meal.