How to Make Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese - A Step-by-Step Guide

Who doesn't love a warm, gooey bowl of mac and cheese? This classic comfort food is a staple in many households, but sometimes you just want to spice it up a bit. That's where this Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe comes in. It takes the traditional dish to a whole new level with the addition of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. The combination of creamy and cheesy goodness with the salty, smoky flavor of the bacon is truly irresistible.

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Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk, or as needed
  • 2 cups KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
  • 3 slices OSCAR MAYER Center Cut Bacon, cooked, crumbled

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 4

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
  • At the same time, melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until mixture becomes paste-like and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cheddar and cook until melted, about 5 minutes.
  • Add macaroni and bacon to the saucepan; gently stir to combine with sauce. Add additional milk only if needed to evenly coat the pasta. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish; sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    631 cal.

    • Total Fat: 37g
    • Saturated Fat: 23g
    • Cholesterol: 109mg
    • Sodium: 950mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 45g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 30g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 559mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 292mg