GROWN-UP MAC ‘N’ CHEESE WITH BACON
While my in-laws were down here for a visit a few weeks ago, my mother-in-law and I were watching something from a cooking show about comfort food. One of the featured dishes was “grown-up” mac’n’cheese. I had been craving for my own version ever since. I finally made some a few days ago and my cravings were definitely satisfied.
It’s a slightly baked version of the CREAMY MAC ‘N’ CHEESE W/ CRISPY BACON BITS that I usually whip up as a side dish for protein entrees. This one has an added ingredient of panko breadcrumbs and a time in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or so just to give that crunchy topping texture. It makes you feel all grown-up inside, HAH!
GROWN-UP MAC ‘N’ CHEESE WITH BACON
Ingredients
- 1 box elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- water for boiling the pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped coarsely
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- sprinkle of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian Seasonings(or dried oregano, dried basil)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Boil water to cook the pasta, al dente. While that’s boiling, brown the bacon. Place in a paper towel lined plate to set aside. In a medium pot, melt the butter. Add the milk and the cheeses. Whisk gently until everything is incorporated. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the oven to 355°. Drain the water off of the pasta. Pour the cheese sauce into the pasta, then most of the bacon. Stir everything together.
- Transfer the whole thing into a baking dish.
- Top with the Panko breadcrumbs and the remaining cooked bacon. Stick it in the oven to bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve with salad greens.
You can use any kind of cheese combinations you want. I just really love the flavors of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. If you prefer to be fancy, use pancetta instead of bacon. This Grown-Up Mac ‘N’ Cheese With Bacon can be served as the main entree for any dinners or a side dish during the holidays. I had this with a glass of wine and Oh My. I definitely felt like a grown-up for sure.