Name: Bacon Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Bacon; 1 tbsp Canola oil; 0.25 cup Flour; 2 cups Milk; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Pepper; 4 ounces Processed cheese; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 lb Pasta

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Bacon Mac and Cheese

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

In a large pot, prepare pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat.

Cut bacon in small pieces and cook in skillet until crispy (about 7 minutes).

Remove cooked bacon from skilled and drain on paper towels.

Reserve ¼ cup of bacon fat; discard the rest of the bacon fat.

Add reserved bacon fat back into the skillet.

Add flour and stir for one minute until it starts to gets pasty.

Whisk in the milk. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until the milk begins to thicken — about 5 minutes.

Add cheese, salt and pepper and stir until cheese is melted.

Add cooked and drained pasta and stir to combine.

Stir in cooked bacon

Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Render Bacon Low and Slow 🥓
Cook bacon over medium-low heat to render the fat completely and achieve crispy, flavorful pieces without burning—reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat for your roux for enhanced depth.
Make a Perfect Roux Base 🥄
Whisk equal parts flour and fat over medium heat for 1-2 minutes before adding milk to cook out the raw flour taste and create a silky, lump-free sauce.
Layer Your Cheeses Strategically 🧀
Add sharp cheddar first, then process cheese last—the processed cheese contains emulsifiers that prevent graininess while sharp cheddar provides superior flavor.
Season the Pasta Water Generously 🍝
Salt your pasta cooking water until it tastes like seawater so the noodles absorb flavor throughout, reducing the need for excessive seasoning in the final dish.
Undercook Your Pasta by 1-2 Minutes ⏱️
Pull pasta at al dente minus one minute since it will continue cooking when combined with the hot cheese sauce, preventing mushy, overcooked noodles.