Description
A creamy, indulgent mac and cheese loaded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy stovetop version delivers maximum comfort food flavor with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Cook chopped bacon in skillet until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
- In same skillet with bacon drippings, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to make roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and cook until thickened, 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and crispy bacon.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting quality.
- Reserve some bacon for topping if desired.
- If sauce is too thick, thin with additional milk.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg