Bacon Macaroni Recipe
A hearty, smoky, and cheesy macaroni dish featuring crispy bacon for a flavor-packed twist on a classic comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives optional for garnish
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a frying pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni and crispy bacon to the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish with chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the savory perfection.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving):
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
Vitamins and Minerals (Approximate Values Per Serving):
- Calcium: 40%
- Iron: 10%
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin D: 8%
- Potassium: 9%
Additional Notes & Tips:
- Use a blend of cheddar and smoked gouda for extra flavor.
- A sprinkle of red chili flakes adds a nice heat.
- Crushed bacon on top makes the texture divine.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.