Best 2 Cheddar Bacon Mac And Cheese Recipes

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the allure of cheddar bacon mac and cheese. This classic dish, with its velvety cheese sauce, tender macaroni noodles, and crispy bacon bits, has captured the hearts of countless food enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're seeking a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty and indulgent dish for a special occasion, cheddar bacon mac and cheese stands as an enduring favorite. As you embark on your culinary journey to find the ultimate recipe for this delectable dish, let us guide you through the essential elements that will elevate your creation to new heights of flavor and satisfaction.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEDDAR-BACON MAC AND CHEESE

Cheddar-Bacon Mac and Cheese image

Creamy, cheesy, and quick . . . it's everything you need.

Provided by Kraft

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

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

Steps:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook macaroni as directed on package. Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Stir in flour; cook 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook on medium heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring constantly. Simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese; cook and stir 5 min. or until melted.
Drain macaroni. Add to sauce with bacon; mix lightly. Spoon into 1 1/2 quart casserole; top with remaining cheese.
Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.1 calories, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 59.9 mg, Fat 21.8 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 16.5 g, SaturatedFat 13.5 g, Sodium 411.3 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

BACON WHITE CHEDDAR PESTO MAC AND CHEESE

Bacon White Cheddar Pesto Mac and Cheese image

A rich and bacon-y variation of the tradition macaroni and cheese pasta dish.

Provided by fabeverydayblog

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
½ cup basil pesto sauce, purchased or homemade
6 slices bacon
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces grated white Cheddar cheese
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 1/2- or 3-quart baking dish.
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, 8 minutes. Drain. Transfer pasta back to pot; cover and keep warm off heat.
Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Crumble.
Place butter and minced garlic in a saucepan over medium-high heat; stir until butter is melted. Whisk flour into butter mixture, and continue whisking until flour starts to turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Slowly add milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the saucepan, whisking until there are no lumps. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium.
Stir grated Cheddar cheese into the cream mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted. Add basil pesto sauce and half of the crumbled bacon; stir. Transfer mixture to pot with cooked elbows; stir to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish.
Mix panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a bowl. Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni and cheese.
Bake in preheated oven until bubbly and just starting to brown, about 20 minutes. Top with remaining half of bacon.
Preheat the oven's broiler. Place baking dish under broiler until browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 563.3 calories, Carbohydrate 50.7 g, Cholesterol 75.7 mg, Fat 30 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 23.1 g, SaturatedFat 15.3 g, Sodium 547.8 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

Tips:

Use quality ingredients. Freshly grated cheese, flavorful bacon, and creamy milk will make a big difference in the overall taste of your mac and cheese.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, or until it is al dente.
Make a roux. This will help to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a smooth, creamy texture.
Use a variety of cheeses. A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan will create a rich, flavorful cheese sauce.
Add bacon, vegetables, or other toppings. This will help to customize your mac and cheese and make it more interesting.
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making mac and cheese.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, there is a mac and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!