Creamy Applewood Bacon Mac and Cheese Delight
Indulge in a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese with this Creamy Applewood Bacon Mac and Cheese Delight. This creamy, cheesy dish combines the savory richness of applewood smoked bacon with a blend of melty cheeses, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. The addition of pureed onion enhances the richness while frozen peas provide a pop of color and sweetness. Top it all off with a crunchy layer of crushed potato chips and seasoned breadcrumbs, and you have a dish that's irresistibly delicious and guaranteed to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow noodles (or penne, farfalle)
1 lb (uncooked)
Mixed cheese (Jack and sharp cheddar)
16 ounces (shredded or cubed)
Applewood smoked bacon
1/2-1 lb (cooked and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Onion
1 (pureed or finely chopped)
Cayenne pepper
to taste
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
Heavy cream
1 cup
Milk
3-4 cups
Crushed potato chips and seasoned breadcrumbs
2 cups (mixed for topping)
Butter
3-4 tablespoons (for sauce and topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's tender but not too crispy. Once cooked, remove and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
2
In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
For the cheese sauce, melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in an equal amount of flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the pureed or finely chopped onion to the roux and continue to cook for another minute until the onion is softened.
5
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream followed by the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
6
Add the shredded cheese to the sauce in batches, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to your liking.
7
Combine the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce, stirring in the thawed frozen peas and cooked bacon until evenly coated.
8
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed potato chips and seasoned breadcrumbs, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
9
Dot the top with a few pats of butter for extra richness. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra crunchy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Applewood Bacon Mac and Cheese Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Creamy Applewood Bacon Mac and Cheese Delight, a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese.
What kind of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
Applewood smoked bacon is used for its savory richness.
Which cheeses are used in the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce blend of Jack and sharp cheddar cheese.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is tender but not too crispy, then drain on paper towels.
What type of noodles can I use for this mac and cheese?
You can use one pound of elbow noodles, penne, or farfalle.
How do I prepare the noodles?
Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to the package instructions, then drain.
How is the onion prepared for the sauce?
The onion should be either pureed or very finely chopped to enhance the richness of the sauce.
How do I make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and whisk in an equal amount of flour, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
When do I add the onion to the recipe?
Add the pureed or finely chopped onion to the roux and cook for about one minute until softened.
What liquids are added to the roux?
Gradually whisk in one cup of heavy cream followed by 3-4 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth.
How do I incorporate the cheese into the sauce?
Add the shredded cheese to the thickened milk mixture in batches, stirring until completely melted.
What spices are used to season the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Are there any vegetables in this mac and cheese?
Yes, the recipe includes one cup of thawed frozen peas for color and sweetness.
How is the bacon integrated into the dish?
The cooked bacon is torn into bite-sized pieces and stirred into the mac and cheese mixture before baking.
What makes the crunchy topping?
The topping is a mixture of 2 cups of crushed potato chips and seasoned breadcrumbs.
Should the baking dish be prepared?
Yes, the mac and cheese mixture should be transferred into a greased baking dish.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long should the dish bake?
Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
You can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking if desired.
Should I add more butter before baking?
Yes, dot the top of the breadcrumb mixture with a few pats of butter for extra richness.
What should I do after removing the dish from the oven?
Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Is this recipe suitable for special gatherings?
Yes, its indulgent and comforting nature makes it perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 pound of bacon.
How much milk is needed?
You will need between 3 and 4 cups of milk depending on the desired consistency.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, while elbow noodles are traditional, penne and farfalle are excellent alternatives.
What is the purpose of the cayenne pepper?
Cayenne pepper adds a subtle hint of heat to balance the richness of the cheeses.
Do I need to cook the peas before adding them?
No, you just need to ensure the frozen peas are thawed before stirring them into the sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Whisk the heavy cream and milk into the roux gradually and stir continuously while adding cheese.
Can the onion be omitted?
While the recipe calls for pureed onion to enhance richness, it can be adjusted based on personal preference.