Mac 'N Cheese With Bacon And White Cheddar Cheese

Name: Mac 'N Cheese With Bacon And White Cheddar Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: salt; ground black pepper; nonstick cooking spray; 1 lb elbow macaroni; 4 cups milk (I recommend whole milk); 8 sprigs thyme (divided); 6 garlic cloves (divided); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 6 cups white cheddar cheese (shredded & divided); 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley (chopped); 6 slices bacon (sliced into 1/4 inch pieces); 1 large onion (diced)

Servings: persons

salt
ground black pepper
nonstick cooking spray
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 cups milk (I recommend whole milk)
8 sprigs thyme (divided)
6 garlic cloves (divided)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups white cheddar cheese (shredded & divided)
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley (chopped)
6 slices bacon (sliced into 1/4 inch pieces)
1 large onion (diced)

1
Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, 8 or 9 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3
Heat milk with 3 sprigs of thyme and 4 cloves of crushed garlic in a small pan, do not boil the milk.
4
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium high heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
5
Remove the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves from the milk then whisk the milk into the butter and flour mixture.
6
Continue to cook until the mixture is smooth, whisking constantly. Once smooth, stir in 4-1/2 cups of the white cheddar cheese. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7
Add in the cooked macaroni and the chopped parsley. Stir to coat the macaroni and incorporate all ingredients then pour into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
8
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, cook bacon until crispy. Then add the onion, the remaining two cloves of garlic (chopped) and the remaining thyme (leaves only this time). Cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
9
When the macaroni and cheese comes out of the oven, spread the bacon and onion mixture over the top, serve and enjoy.

1440

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: salt, ground black pepper, nonstick cooking spray, 1 lb elbow macaroni, and more.

Yes, Mac 'N Cheese With Bacon And White Cheddar Cheese falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!