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Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Breadcrumb Topping

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A comforting and creamy mac and cheese recipe topped with a crispy, smoky bacon breadcrumb crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, this dish combines sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a rich, satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 grams)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside. Save a cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening later.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until combined. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups of warmed whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted and silky. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish.
  6. In a bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 6 slices of crisp crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Toss to combine evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Dot with remaining 1 tablespoon butter melted (optional, for extra crisp). Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  8. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle and thicken slightly.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese to avoid grainy sauce. Warm milk before adding to roux to prevent lumps. For extra crispy bacon, cook it in the oven on a wire rack before starting. Let mac and cheese rest after baking for better texture. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, bacon breadcrumb topping, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-bacon-breadcrumb-topping-easy-recipe/