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Return of the Mac: Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

February 28, 2014 By Isabelle Boucher 5 Comments | Filed Under: comfort food, main course, pasta, pork, winter

Dear February,

I know we’ve spent every single day of the last four weeks together, but I think it’s time we admit that this just isn’t working any more.

Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

Don’t get me wrong. We had our good times, especially in the beginning.

That first week in Mexico was absolutely magical, and so full of delicious food. I mean, just look at all thsee gorgeous Instagrams. So thanks for that.

Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

But ever since we got home, you’ve changed.

It’s just like you can’t make up your mind. You’re sweet and balmy one day, and then you give me the cold shoulder the next day. I just can’t deal with these mood swings of yours anymore, especially since you insist on freezing me out like this.

Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

I’m leaving you for March, who swears he won’t be such a sloppy mess this year.

And hey, worst case, there’s always April. I like him. He always bring me flowers and takes me out for bike rides.

Sincerely,
Isabelle

Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

PS: That Polar Vortex dude you’ve been hanging out with?  He’s a total jerk. Seriously. You need to make some better friends.

PPS: At least we’ll always have this super delicious bacony mac and cheese. And Mexico.

//

4.7 from 3 reviews
Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese
 
Print
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
50 mins
 
Crispy bacon and smoked cheddar cheese add smoky goodness to classic mac and cheese. It's comfort food at its best.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 4 rashers thick-cut bacon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 2¼ cups grated smoked cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp fresh ground pepper
  • ¼ tsp fresh grated nutmeg
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly butter a 12-cup casserole dish (or six individual 2-cup baking dishes).
  2. In large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni as per package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In large saucepan set over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
  4. Add garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly as you go to keep the sauce smooth, and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  5. Whisk in 2 cups of grated cheese, mustard, salt, pepper and nutmeg, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the pasta and bacon, and stir until well coated with sauce. (Don't worry if it looks a little soupy - it'll thicken up into a lovely saucy consistency in the oven.) Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
  6. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the panko crumbs and remaining ¼ cup grated cheese. Sprinkle evenly onto the pasta.
  7. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling hot and topping is lightly browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
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3.2.1275

 

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Comments

  1. Dave says

    March 11, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    So I’m the only one left with 4 rashers of bacon set aside, on the counter?

    Caught them in the nick of time.

    Reply
    • Isabelle Boucher says

      March 11, 2014 at 10:53 pm

      Good catch, Dave! I’ve fixed the recipe… apologies for the near-miss.

      Reply
  2. Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.) says

    March 2, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    This, my friend, looks like the perfect antidote to the horrible winter. I broke up with February too, btw…

    Reply
  3. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    February 28, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    Yeeeeah. I thought February would be better than January, but they’re all the same!

    :P

    But yeah. This mac n cheese. EPIC.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. February 2014: A Review | Once in a Blue Spoon says:
    March 3, 2014 at 11:51 am

    […] Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese (From Crumb Blog) seems like an amazing and delicious twist on my favorite food ever, I mean, adding bacon can only make things better, right? […]

    Reply

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Hi… I’m Isabelle

I'm a 30-something coffee-chugging, booty-shaking, bargain-shopping, cookbook-collecting, trucker-swearing self-taught cook with a Mister and a bossy cat to feed.
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