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Creamy Loaded Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Breadcrumbs

creamy loaded mac and cheese with crispy bacon breadcrumbs - featured image
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A rich and comforting mac and cheese recipe featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs for a perfect crunchy finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (720 ml), warmed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (100 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and starts to bubble slightly, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of warmed whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and 4 ounces softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, then chop finely.
  6. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Stir frequently until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped bacon.
  7. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  8. Serve topped with the crispy bacon breadcrumbs. Optionally, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle the topping evenly, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and smooth sauce. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Toast breadcrumbs in butter for extra crunch. Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or toasted nuts to breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, bacon breadcrumbs, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-loaded-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-bacon-breadcrumbs-recipe-easy-and-best/