Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Try this Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- 1 box (13oz) elbow macaroni (i used dreamfields pasta)
- 7 slices of cooked bacon. chopped.
- 1 1/2 cups milk - i used 2% because that's what i had.
- 1/2 cup half and half or cream.
- 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 7 slices american cheese
- Carbohydrate 6.43590208078514 g
- Cholesterol 64.2654166753873 mg
- Fat 22.4005784929857 g
- Fiber 0.114392501653316 g
- Protein 10.8245177671847 g
- Saturated Fat 14.1335918128909 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (62g)
- Sodium 843.087639148341 mg
- Sugar 6.32150957913182 g
- Trans Fat 1.29904847320493 g
- Calories 268 calories
Step-by-step
- Toss your cheeses in a medium size bowl. (Cheddar, Gouda and Colby only) and set aside.
- In a large sauce pan, melt your butter.
- Whisk in flour and continue to cook for a minute or so.
- Slowly pour in milk and half & half, stirring or whisking continuously.
- Add dried onion flakes, salt and pepper. Stir.
- Bring your mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add the American cheese (I tear mine into strips), and 2 cups of the mixed shredded cheese. Stir until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir.
- Pour only half of your pasta mixture into a greased or buttered 3 quart baking or casserole dish.
- Add the chopped bacon to the remaining cheese mixture and sprinkle half to the top of the pasta.
- Pour the remaining pasta into the casserole dish and top with the rest of the cheese and bacon mixture.
- Bake at 350° for 20-30 min or until the top is browned and bubbly.
- Serve as a meal or side dish.
Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I crave comfort food, something warm, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. That’s where this Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon comes in. It's a recipe that elevates a classic dish to new heights, delivering a creamy, decadent experience without demanding hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. While the result is rich and flavorful, the process is surprisingly straightforward. I love the combination of cheddar, gouda, and colby jack cheeses – their distinct tastes blend harmoniously, creating a complex and satisfying cheese pull. The addition of smoky bacon adds a layer of savory depth, perfectly complementing the creamy cheese sauce. I often use pre-cooked bacon to save time, but feel free to cook your own if you prefer. And don’t be shy with the bacon! The more, the merrier, in my opinion.
This mac and cheese is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for a weeknight family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck contribution. It travels well, too; I've often taken it to picnics and BBQs, always to rave reviews. The recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences; feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add other vegetables like broccoli or peas, or even try different types of pasta. The possibilities are endless!
The secret to truly exceptional mac and cheese lies in the sauce. A smooth, creamy cheese sauce is the foundation of this dish, and it's surprisingly easy to make. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a luxurious texture that coats the pasta perfectly. Don't be afraid to experiment with the milk and cream ratio; using more cream creates an even richer sauce, but the 2% milk I used works perfectly fine and is a healthier option.
One of the most satisfying aspects of this recipe is the baking process. The bubbling, browned cheese topping is the ultimate sign that your mac and cheese is ready to be devoured. The warmth of the oven melts the cheese beautifully, creating those irresistible crispy edges. I often let it sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven; this allows the sauce to thicken slightly, which makes for a more enjoyable eating experience.
This Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's a taste of comfort, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the power of good food to bring people together. So, next time you're looking for a dish that is both satisfying and easy to make, give this recipe a try. You won't regret it.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a touch of heat.
- Add some veggies: Incorporate cooked broccoli, cauliflower, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use different pasta: Experiment with shells, rotini, or other pasta shapes.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- Customize your cheese: Feel free to substitute your favorite cheeses. A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina would also be delicious.
Beyond the simple pleasure of a perfectly executed mac and cheese, this recipe reflects something deeper. It speaks to the heart of home cooking – the ability to transform simple ingredients into a dish that nourishes both body and soul. For me, this dish embodies the essence of comfort and togetherness, making it a cherished staple in our home.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience. It's the perfect dish to share with loved ones, create memories around, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a truly delicious meal.
