Smokey Bacon Mac + Cheese

Whether you’re a kid, or just a kid at heart, you’ll love this Smokey Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe. It combines just the right amount of spice with a delicious, creamy cheese sauce and crispy textures, to create the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or weekday dinner (as a main or side), this is a dish will definitely leave a smile on your face.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 6

Course: Magnificent Mains

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Calories: 832

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

500 g uncooked pasta
1 tbsp Kosher salt
8 strips bacon
1 tbsp butter
1 shallot diced
3 cloves garlic diced
1 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 tsp smoked salt
1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
1 tbsp BBQ spice
1/4 tsp chili flakes
1/4 tsp liquid smoke
2 cups cheddar cheese grated
1 cup grape tomatoes halved
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

large pasta pot
medium saucepan
small baking sheet
parchment paper
large baking dish
grater
whisk
slotted spoon
wooden spoon
colander
measuring cups and spoons

Method

Mise en Place

Assemble equipment. Cook and chop bacon, halve tomatoes, dice garlic and shallots, grate cheeses, measure and separate ingredients.

Bring it Together

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Place bacon on a small, parchment-lined baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning half way through. Remove from oven and place on paper towel to remove the excess grease. Chop bacon and set aside.
Add water and salt to a large pasta pot and bring to a boil. Add dry pasta to boiling water and cook until al denté. Strain and set aside.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender and fragrant. Add flour and mix until coated, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
Add heavy cream, broth, liquid smoke, and remaining spices to the sauce mixture. Whisk to combine. Add the grated cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until fully melted.
Put completed sauce, bacon, and tomatoes in the pot with the pasta and stir to combine.
Pour combined macaroni and cheese in a greased baking dish. Top with bread crumbs and broil for 3-5 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and add grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

I’ve used a mild cheddar cheese for this recipe, but feel free to experiment by changing it up. Add old or sharp cheddar for a more tangy result; Monterey jack for more spice; or Jarlsberg or Gouda for an interesting twist.
The importance of adding the proper amount of salt when cooking pasta cannot be understated. As a general rule, the water should taste pretty much like sea water. If it doesn’t, add more salt!

Smokey Bacon Mac + Cheese