Bacon Mac and Cheese

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

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

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 440kcal

Ingredients

1 lb box elbow macaroni
1/2 lb bacon cooked and crumbled or chopped (Reserve 2-3 Tbsp drippings)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
4 Tbsp all purpose flour
3-4 cups whole milk (plus additional as needed to thin)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 16 oz package Velveeta or similar easy melt cheese
sliced green onions for garnishing (optional)

Instructions

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 cooked pasta 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.

Notes

Bacon - Make your own crispy fried bacon or replace it with turkey bacon or diced ham.
Velveeta Cheese - Using the full 16 ounce package of Velveeta will be quite cheesy. You can use a private label store brand of easy melt Velveeta-like cheese.
Salt - Depending on your personal preference, you may adjust the amount of sodium used for the sauce after adding the Velveeta cheese as it will have sodium as well. Do this in particular if you're sensitive to salt.
Thin the Sauce - You have opportunity to thin the sauce further by adding additional milk to the pan. Begin with 2 cups per the recipe, then thin to your taste.
Cheese Topping - This macaroni and cheese is designed to made on the stovetop. If you like, you can sprinkle the top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, gouda cheese or colby jack cheese, too. If the skillet used is oven safe, pop it under the oven broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown.
Breadcrumbs - You could also add crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter to the top of the mac for crunch and texture. When doing so, pop the skillet (make sure its oven safe!) under the oven broiler to toast.
Pasta - You can use a similar size pasta like medium shells for this recipe. You could also adapt using gluten free noodles.
Spice - You could add a few dashes of hot sauce, green chiles or diced jalapeño for a little heat.
Vegetables - You could add 1 cup of petite green peas or chopped steamed broccoli florets to the macaroni for a one pot meal.

Nutrition