Cheesy Bacon Macaroni Ring
Elevate your comfort food game with this Cheesy Bacon Macaroni Ring! This visually stunning dish features creamy macaroni and cheese infused with rich flavors from cheddar and cream cheese, layered with crispy bacon for a savory crunch. Perfect for gatherings, this impressive ring is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. Serve it warm with a luscious cheese sauce and garnished with fresh chives for a dish that's sure to impress your guests. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this Macaroni Ring serves 10 to 12 and brings everyone together with its hearty, cheesy goodness.
10
Servings
350
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
milk
2 1/2 cups (whole or 2%)
shredded cheddar cheese
16 ounces (about 4 cups)
cream cheese
4 ounces (room temperature)
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked al dente)
bacon
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
kosher salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
black pepper
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (plus additional for coating)
half-and-half
1/2 cup (for cheese sauce)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (for cheese sauce)
bacon
2 slices (additional, cooked and crumbled for garnish)
chives
1/2 bunch (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray and coat evenly with breadcrumbs to prevent sticking.
2
In a large dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
3
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until completely melted and combined.
4
Remove the pot from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
5
Quickly add the beaten eggs to the pasta mixture, mixing vigorously to avoid scrambling the eggs. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
6
Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared bundt pan, using a spatula to pack it down and create an even surface. Sprinkle additional breadcrumbs on top if desired.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
8
Once baked, allow the macaroni ring to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Gently use a rubber spatula to loosen the edges before inverting onto a serving platter.
9
To make the cheese sauce, simmer the half-and-half in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
10
Slice the macaroni ring and serve warm, drizzling with the cheese sauce, and garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
21g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Bacon Macaroni Ring?
A Cheesy Bacon Macaroni Ring is a visually stunning comfort food dish featuring creamy macaroni and cheese with bacon, baked in a bundt pan to create a ring shape.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves between 10 to 12 people, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the macaroni ring.
What type of pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 12-cup bundt pan that has been greased and coated with breadcrumbs.
How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bundt pan?
Grease the pan with nonstick cooking spray and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs before adding the mixture.
What are the main cheeses used in the macaroni mixture?
The mixture uses 16 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of cream cheese.
How do I make the cheese sauce for the topping?
Simmer half-and-half in a saucepan and gradually whisk in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
How long should the macaroni ring bake?
Bake the ring for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and it is heated through.
How long should I let the ring cool before inverting it?
Allow the macaroni ring to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before attempting to remove it.
Why are eggs added to the macaroni mixture?
Eggs are added to act as a binder, helping the macaroni hold its shape once it is inverted from the bundt pan.
What type of pasta should I use?
Elbow macaroni is the recommended pasta for this recipe, cooked al dente.
How much bacon is needed for the recipe?
You will need 8 slices for the mixture and an additional 2 slices for the garnish.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 22g of fat, 21g of carbohydrates, and 14g of protein.
How do I make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt butter in a dutch oven and whisk in flour for about 1 minute until smooth before adding milk.
Can I use whole milk or 2% milk?
Yes, the recipe works well with either 2.5 cups of whole milk or 2% milk.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What is the suggested garnish?
Garnish the ring with additional crumbled bacon and chopped fresh chives.
How do I loosen the macaroni ring from the pan?
Gently use a rubber spatula to loosen the edges of the ring before inverting it onto a serving platter.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese.
What is the purpose of breadcrumbs on the top?
Sprinkling breadcrumbs on top provides an extra layer of texture and a golden-brown finish.
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly for the cheese sauce.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients total required for the Cheesy Bacon Macaroni Ring and its sauce.
What size bundt pan is best?
A standard 12-cup bundt pan is the ideal size for this volume of macaroni.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for gatherings and potlucks.
What should be the preparation state of the macaroni?
The elbow macaroni should be cooked al dente before being folded into the cheese mixture.
How do I avoid scrambling the eggs when adding them?
Mix the eggs into the pasta mixture vigorously and quickly once the pot has been removed from the heat.
What is the fat content per serving?
The estimated fat content is 22 grams per serving.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This dish falls under the Macaroni And Cheese category.
How much butter is used?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
Can I prepare this in advance?
While best served warm, you can prepare the macaroni mixture and bake it just before your guests arrive.