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Cozy Loaded Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Bacon Easy and Best

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A comforting and delicious mac and cheese loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and crispy bacon, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, crisp up 8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  5. Gradually pour in 3 cups whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 4 oz cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  7. Add the drained macaroni and chopped bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated.
  9. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Whisk constantly when adding milk to prevent lumps. Rest the dish for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and sauce thicken. For a crustier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Can substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free option. Vegetarian version can omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, loaded mac and cheese, crispy bacon, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/cozy-loaded-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-best/