Macaroni and cheese is one of the most-loved comfort foods from kids and adults alike. By tossing in a few strips of bacon, you get that little bit extra that puts it right over the top. This is perfect for a weekday entree or you can even use it as a side dish. The leftovers heat up nicely so you don’t have to worry about anything going to waste!
When you want to take something that is one-of-a-kind to your next social event, this is a dish that is sure to get all your friends asking you for the recipe!
Ingredients
4 c Barilla dry pasta
6 slice thick cut Hormel applewood bacon, chopped (reserve 2 slices for topping)
1 c diced onion
2 clove garlic, minced
4 Tbsp Land O’ Lakes butter
1/4 c flour
2 c whole milk
1/2 c Borden heavy cream
2 tsp ground mustard
8 oz Kraft mild white cheddar cheese, grated
8 oz butterkase cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste
Topping
1 c cracker crumbs
1/2 c Kraft mild white cheddar cheese, grated
1 Tbsp butter, melted
reserved bacon pieces
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a large baking dish. Set aside.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt generously.
Prepare the pasta according to the directions on the package. Cook the pasta to andante. Drain and add butter to keep pasta from sticking. Set aside
In a large skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease and cook the onions on low until translucent
Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour over medium heat.
Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
Add in the milk, cream, ground mustard, and bacon stir until the mixture is very thick. Reserve 2 slices of bacon for topping.
Reduce the heat to low and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fold in the pasta until it is all covered with the cheese sauce.
Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the pasta.
Top with the cracker crumbs, then drizzle with the melted butter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Chop the reserved bacon and sprinkle over the top before serving.
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Quick Tip: I opted out of the cracker crumb topping and just used bacon and onions on mine. Turned out great!