Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese

This bacon mac and cheese is perfect for any holiday occasion! It’s salty, creamy, and indulgent! The sauce clings to the pasta just right. Sometimes mac and cheese is too heavy for me, but with the inclusion of cream cheese in the sauce, it coats the pasta without making it too rich!

Pasta

Lunch, Dinner

Yield: 8

Author: Kirsten Deneka

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 Hour

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 500 g of cavatappi pasta
• 600g of cheddar cheese
• 170g of Gouda cheese
• 2 Tbsp of salted butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1 1/2 cups Schneiders Fully Cooked Bacon Crumbles (separated)
• Chives for topping

Instructions

To prepare:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Strain and set aside.
2. Grate the cheese and set aside.
3. In a small pot, add the cream, evaporated milk, and cream cheese and heat on low, until steaming, and the cream cheese has melted.
4. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Heat a large pan on medium heat. Add the butter, and grated garlic clove. When it's melted, and the garlic ad fragrant, add the flour, and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the heated cream mixture 1 cup at a time, until incorporated. Simmer on low for another 3-5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
5. Turn off the heat, and add the seasonings, and slowly add in the grated cheese, saving enough for the top.
6. Add in the cooked pasta, and about 3/4 cup of bacon bits and mix to combine. I'm baking it in the same pan, but if yours isn't oven safe, transfer to a baking dish. Then top with additional cheese and the rest of the bacon bits.
7. Bake the mac and cheese for 15-20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 or until golden brown. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve hot.

All rights reserved for theredbowlofficial

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theredbowlofficial on instagram and hashtag it #theredbowl