Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese
- Level: Intermediate
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (Serving Size: 1 of 8 servings)
Calories: 771
Total Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 57 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 9 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 123 mg
Sodium: 760 mg - Total: 1 hr
- Prep: 20 min
- Cook: 40 min
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups milk
- 2 or 3 sprigs thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed and divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 1/2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- Leaves from 1/4 bunch fresh thyme
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) NEW: Switch to Cook Mode to keep your screen awake while you create this irresistible dish!
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Drain. Get ready for the creamiest mac 'n cheese that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the thyme sprigs and 2 garlic cloves. Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Strain the solids from the milk and whisk it into the butter-flour mixture. Whisk vigorously until smooth. Stir in 4 cups of the cheese, cooking until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked macaroni and parsley to coat evenly. Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish, top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese, and bake for 30 minutes until golden, hot, and bubbly.
- Meanwhile, heat a saut pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, rendering the fat. Stir in the onion, garlic, and thyme leaves; cook 5 minutes until the onion softens. Season with salt and pepper. This smoky bacon topping takes it over the top!
- To serve, scatter the crispy bacon mixture over the baked mac 'n cheese. Scoop generous portions, ensuring every bite bursts with bacon goodness. Pure comfort food magicyour new family favorite awaits!
