Creamy Bacon-Infused Mac and Cheese Bake
Indulge in a rich and creamy twist on the classic mac and cheese with our Creamy Bacon-Infused Mac and Cheese Bake. This recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a luxurious blend of Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, elevated by the savory crunch of crispy bacon and a golden panko topping. Baked to perfection, it delivers a delightful contrast of textures: gooey, cheesy goodness underneath and a crispy, buttery crust on top. Perfect for a family dinner, potlucks, or as a delectable comfort food treat, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
béchamel sauce
(recipe follows)
dry pasta
1 lb (recommended types include elbow macaroni, shells, penne, etc.)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon ((to taste))
ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups
grated gruyere cheese
1 cup
grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups
milk
1 cup
heavy cream
1/4 cup
panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups ((Japanese style))
fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
bacon
6 slices (cooked, reserve 3 tablespoons rendered bacon fat)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup
hot whole milk
3 cups
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
salt
(to taste)
freshly ground black pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon-Infused Mac and Cheese Bake?
It is a rich and creamy twist on classic mac and cheese featuring a blend of Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, crispy bacon, and a golden panko topping.
What types of pasta are recommended for this recipe?
Dry pasta types such as elbow macaroni, shells, or penne are recommended for the best results.
Which cheeses are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and parmesan cheese.
How many slices of bacon do I need?
You will need 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Should I save the bacon fat?
Yes, you should reserve 3 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat to help infuse the dish with flavor.
What makes the topping crispy?
The topping is made from a mixture of Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs and fresh flat-leaf parsley.
What spices are used to season the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dry mustard, ground cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Does this recipe include a béchamel sauce?
Yes, the base of the cheese sauce is a traditional béchamel made with butter, flour, and hot milk.
How much milk is required for the béchamel?
The béchamel specifically requires 3 cups of hot whole milk.
Is heavy cream used in this mac and cheese?
Yes, 1/4 cup of heavy cream is added to enhance the richness of the sauce.
What kind of cheddar is best for this dish?
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely, its rich texture and baked topping make it an excellent choice for potlucks and family gatherings.
How much pasta is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry pasta.
What kind of parsley should I use?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is recommended for the topping.
What is the role of cayenne pepper in this recipe?
A small amount (1/4 teaspoon) is used to add a subtle depth and warmth without making it overly spicy.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While you can, panko is preferred for its superior crunch and airy texture.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delectable comfort food treat.
How many types of cheese are used in total?
Three types: Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features gooey, cheesy goodness underneath with a crispy, buttery crust on top.
What type of milk is used for the general sauce mixture?
In addition to the hot whole milk, the recipe also calls for 1 cup of regular milk.
How much nutmeg is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to provide a classic aromatic note to the béchamel.
Is the bacon fat used in the roux?
Yes, the reserved bacon fat is typically used alongside or in place of butter to start the roux for extra flavor.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
Can I bake this in a skillet?
Yes, the 'skillet' tag indicates it can be prepared or finished in an oven-safe skillet.
How much dry mustard is used?
1 teaspoon of dry mustard is used, or adjusted to taste.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 18 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
What should I use to season the final dish?
Salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste.
Is the cheese grated or sliced?
The recipe specifies using grated cheese for even melting throughout the sauce.
What kind of flour is used for the sauce?
All-purpose flour is used to thicken the cheese sauce.