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Crispy Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon Topping

crispy smoked mac and cheese with bacon topping - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a crispy, smoky edge and irresistible bacon crunch, perfect for comfort food lovers seeking a twist on a classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups (340 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, cold-smoked if available
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a pan over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and chop once cool. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it forms a smooth paste and just starts to turn golden.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add 1 teaspoon mustard powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Lower the heat to low and stir in 3 cups (340 grams) shredded smoked cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until smooth and melted. If cheese isn’t smoked, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs with ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped bacon. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best as it will bake further. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. For extra smoky flavor, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning. Resting the dish before serving helps the sauce settle and improves slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked cheddar, bacon topping, crispy mac and cheese, comfort food, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/crispy-smoked-mac-and-cheese-with-bacon-topping-easy-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/