Description
A delicious, creamy, and savory comfort food that combines macaroni with a flavorful cheese sauce and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the thickened cream, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir in the cooked macaroni and mix until well coated with the cheese sauce. Fold in half of the crumbled bacon, mixing well.
- Garnishing: Transfer the macaroni mixture to a serving dish. Top with remaining crumbled bacon and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika in the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and creaminess.
- For extra crunch, top with toasted bread crumbs before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg