SMOKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE WITH BACON!

Print Recipe

https://alcoeats.com/blogs/snacks/smoked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-bacon

• Course - Main Course (Side Dish) 
• Cuisine - American 
• Servings - 12 servings 
• Calories - 205kcal 
• Prep Time - 10 minutes 
• Cooking Time - 45 minutes 
• Total Time - 55 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• Cooking spray
• 8 oz (227 g) - Elbow macaroni boiled as per to package directions
• 8 - Slices diced bacon
• 2 tbsp - Unsalted butter
• 1 - Medium chopped onion
• 4 - Cloves chopped garlic
• 2 tbsp - All-purpose flour
• 1 cup - Whole milk
• 1-1/3rd ounce - Can of evaporated milk (or ¾ cup whole milk)
• ½ tsp - Mustard powder
• ½ tsp - Smoked paprika
• ½ tsp - Cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ cup - Freshly grated smoked Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup - Freshly grated smoked Gouda cheese
• ½ cup - Partly skimmed mozzarella cheese (freshly grated)
• ½ cup - Smoked sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• Cracked pepper and salt (to taste) 

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a casserole dish or cast-iron skillet with cooking spray.
• Boil the macaroni according to package instructions. Remove from the heat 1 or 2 minutes early.
• Cook the bacon, stirring regularly, on medium-high heat until it turns crisp. Remove from the pan and drain the bacon onto paper towels. Remove any excess bacon grease from the pan, except for 2 tablespoons of grease. 
• Heat the extra bacon grease and butter in a pan on medium heat till the butter has melted. Add in the chopped onion and garlic and cook till they soften. 
• Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two at the most. Remove from heat. 
• Slowly pour in the milk and evaporated milk and stir the mixture till it gets slightly thickened.  
• Stir in the smoked paprika, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.
• Stir in grated cheeses, keeping about ⅔ cup balance for the topping. The cheese should begin to melt by now.
• Add the macaroni and pour over to coat. Pour the mixture into the skillet or prepared dish and top it with the previously reserved cheese and fresh cracked pepper. 
• Bake in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese filling is melted. To brown the topping further, place on a broiler on low for about 2-3 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving. 
• Serve delicious, mouthwatering smoked bacon with mac and cheese. Enjoy!