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Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Breadcrumb Topping

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A quick and easy creamy mac and cheese recipe topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs for a smoky crunch that balances the rich cheese sauce perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  3. In the same skillet, toast breadcrumbs in bacon fat over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled bacon and optional parsley. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  5. Slowly whisk in warmed milk, cooking and whisking until thickened and coating the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni and stir gently to combine.
  8. Transfer mac and cheese to a serving dish. Sprinkle bacon breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the topping. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Warm milk before adding to roux to avoid lumps. Toast breadcrumbs in bacon fat for smoky flavor. Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning topping. Cheese sauce can be loosened with reserved pasta water. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, bacon breadcrumb topping, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-bacon-breadcrumb-topping-easy-recipe-guide/