Best 3 Dressed Up Bacon Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Have you ever wished to introduce something more into your macaroni and cheese? The infamous macaroni and cheese is obtaining a "glow-up" with the addition of tasty bacon and a medley of delectable ingredients. This classic dish is getting transformed into a masterpiece of flavors with the incorporation of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and an assortment of spices. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the realm of dressed-up bacon mac and cheese.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

DRESSED UP MAC AND CHEESE



Dressed Up Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Eddie Jackson

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 30

16 ounces large elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk, plus up to 1/2 cup more if needed
2 teaspoons powdered chicken soup base/chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded Colby-Jack blend
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
1/2 recipe Andouille Dressing, recipe follows, chilled (1 springform pan)
Nonstick cooking spray, for the skillet and springform pans
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
Kosher salt
Canola oil, for coating the pan
12 ounces andouille sausage, finely diced
1 white onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 1/4 teaspoons ground sage
1 teaspoon powdered chicken soup base/chicken bouillon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth

Steps:

  • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, whisk until a paste is formed and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add 1/4 cup of the milk at a time, whisking constantly, until you've added 2 cups. Whisk in the soup base or bouillon, garlic powder and pepper.
  • Slowly add the Colby-Jack blend, cream cheese and 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, making sure the cheese melts between each addition. When the cheese is completely melted, check for consistency; add up to an additional 1/2 cup milk if needed. Stir to completely combine.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni and 2 cups of the cheese sauce. Transfer the macaroni mixture to the chilled springform pan of Andouille Dressing, spreading and packing the contents evenly. Spread 1/2 cup of the cheese sauce over the top with the remaining 1 cup shredded Cheddar.
  • Bake until heated through, about 35 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and broil until the top is crisped, another 5 to 7 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before removing from the pan and serving.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray.
  • To make the cornbread, add the milk, butter and 1 of the eggs to a large mixing bowl and whisk together. Add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt and stir to combine; the batter should look lumpy. Transfer the batter to the greased skillet and bake until golden brown on top, 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool. Keep the oven at 400 degrees F.
  • Meanwhile, lightly grease two 9-inch springform pans with cooking spray.
  • Put a pan over medium-high heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. Add the sausage and cook until crisp around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. To the same pan, add the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic and cook until the veggies are tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Crumble the cooled cornbread into a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked veggies and sausage and mix together gently. Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl. Add it to the cornbread mixture with the sage, soup base or bouillon, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix together gently. Add the broth 1/4 cup at a time until the dressing reaches the desired consistency. It should be loose but not runny--3/4 to 1 cup will be plenty.
  • Transfer the dressing to the prepared springform pans. Bake until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely.

BACON MAC & CHEESE



Bacon Mac & Cheese image

Jalapeno pepper adds an extra kick to this bacon mac and cheese, giving it great grown-up taste. I serve this comforting dish throughout the year.-Shelly Boehm, South Bend, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h15m

Yield 16 servings (3/4 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 pound bacon strips, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
3 cups 2% milk
2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 package (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Dash hot pepper sauce
3 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Saute jalapeno in reserved drippings. Add milk and cheeses to pan; cook and stir until blended. Stir in the onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper and pepper sauce. , Drain macaroni; add to pan with the onions and cooked bacon. Mix well. , Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 438 calories, Fat 26g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 1106mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

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

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

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Choose a good quality bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and macaroni. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and provide a richer flavor.
  • Cook the bacon until it's crispy: This will give the mac and cheese a smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni: It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. This will prevent the sauce from being too thin and runny.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: In addition to cheddar, you can also use other cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or Fontina. This will add a more complex flavor to the dish.
  • Add some spice: If you like a little heat, you can add some cayenne pepper, paprika, or chipotle powder to the cheese sauce.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many ways to customize this recipe. You can add different vegetables, proteins, or herbs. Get creative and make it your own!

Conclusion:

Dressed-up bacon mac and cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make a bacon mac and cheese that is sure to impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

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