BEST EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE

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Perfect for a cold winter's night, this macaroni and cheese is a far cry from the supermarket variety. Rich and creamy with a slight kick, it is rounded off with the topping's crunch. I like to use a variety of cheeses in this. I have used bleu, gouda, gruyere, swiss, cheddar, smoked cheeses, gouda, and others, all with fabulous results. This recipe freezes wonderfully and is just as delicious when reheated in the microwave. 6 cups of cheese approximately equals 2 - 2.25 lbs. Feel free to substitute turkey bacon, or use butter (6 TBS) instead of bacon grease.

Provided by CoreyMB

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h30m

Yield 3 quarts, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb macaroni
12 ounces bacon
6 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 dash nutmeg
1 dash hot sauce
5 cups milk
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
2 eggs
6 cups cheese, grated
1 -2 cup Ritz cracker, crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350*F.
  • Grease a deep 3-quart baking dish and set aside.
  • Cook bacon until crispy, reserving the grease.
  • Cook macaroni according to package instructions for al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • Crumble the bacon into the crushed crackers and add 1 cup of the grated cheese.
  • Pulse in a food processor and set aside.
  • Measure 6 tbs of bacon grease and heat in a large saucepan until bubbling.
  • Add flour all at once, whisking until incorporated.
  • Add the onion powder, both paprikas, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Continue to whisk for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and evaporated milk.
  • Whisk continuously on medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly.
  • Lower the temperature to a simmer.
  • Add the worcestershire, nutmeg, and hot sauce.
  • Stir in the remaining 5 cups of grated cheese.
  • Stir over low heat until the cheeses are melted.
  • Beat the two eggs in a small bowl.
  • Add about a cup of the cheese sauce mixture to the eggs, and whisk rapidly.
  • Whisk the egg mixture back into the pot.
  • Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce mixture. It will be very loose; the macaroni will absorb excess liquid as it bakes.
  • Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Top with the cracker-bacon-cheese mixture.
  • Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the middle is set.
  • Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Ihtesham Ullah
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This recipe is too expensive. I can't afford all of the ingredients.


REMONPUBG m
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I'm allergic to cheese. Can I still make this recipe?


Timothy Hampton
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This recipe seems a bit complicated. I'm not sure if I'm up for the challenge.


Abdul Ushe
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I'm not a fan of macaroni and cheese, but this recipe might change my mind.


Shukat Khan
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I'm not sure about the breadcrumb topping, but the rest of the recipe sounds great.


Sudeep Pariyar
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This recipe looks delicious! I'm going to make it this weekend.


Matthew Mitchell
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I can't wait to try this recipe!


Abdullah Srarah
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I love that this recipe is made with simple, everyday ingredients.


Shaid Mehmood
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This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.


Brook Lynn
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I've made this recipe several times and it always turns out great.


Rahmanullah Rahmani
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This is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.


Alex Thebest
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I'm not a huge fan of macaroni and cheese, but this recipe changed my mind. It was so flavorful and comforting.


jim smarch
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This recipe is a great base for adding your own personal touches. I added some cooked bacon and diced tomatoes and it was amazing.


Mawlie Dennis
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I substituted sharp cheddar cheese for the mild cheddar and it was delicious!


Chris Malone
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The instructions were easy to follow and the dish turned out perfectly.


Kyle Diaz
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This recipe is a keeper! I'll definitely be making it again.


Rebekah Allen
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I made this for my family and they loved it! Even my picky kids ate it all up.


Aizen Benjamin
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This was the best mac and cheese I've ever had! It was so creamy and cheesy, and the crispy breadcrumb topping was the perfect finishing touch.


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