Creamy Bacon-Infused Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in this rich and creamy Bacon-Infused Macaroni and Cheese made effortlessly in your crock pot. Perfect for families and gatherings, this one-dish meal combines the comforting flavors of rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender pasta. It's a great way to satisfy your cravings while keeping the cooking simple. Just toss the ingredients in, and let your crock pot work its magic, providing you with a delicious meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Ideal for potlucks or cozy family dinners!
8
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked macaroni
1/2 lb (or hearty pasta of your choice, cooked until al dente)
milk
4 cups (preferably skim or your choice of milk)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
shredded cheese
4 cups (preferably cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dried mustard
1 teaspoon (for added flavor)
bacon
6 slices (cooked and crumbled (optional but recommended))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your crock pot by spraying it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg and milk, whisking them together until smooth.
3
Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and dried mustard to the milk mixture, stirring well to integrate the spices.
4
Next, fold in your choice of shredded cheese and the uncooked pasta, ensuring that everything is thoroughly combined and the pasta is coated in the liquid mixture.
5
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared crock pot. It may appear quite liquidy at this stage, which is normal.
6
If you are using bacon, crumble it over the pasta mixture for added flavor. You may choose to stir it in or leave it on top for a crispy finish.
7
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 2 to 5 hours or on high for 1 to 3 hours. Cooking times may vary based on your specific crock pot and its heat settings. It’s done when the pasta is fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once ready, stir well and serve hot for a delightful and comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Creamy Bacon-Infused Macaroni and Cheese made in a crock pot.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 18.75g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 18.75g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 1/2 lb of uncooked macaroni or a hearty pasta of your choice.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it to the crock pot?
The recipe calls for uncooked macaroni, though you can use pasta cooked until al dente if preferred.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests 4 cups of milk, preferably skim or your choice of milk.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 1 egg, lightly beaten.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is preferred, but you can use 4 cups of any shredded cheese mix you enjoy.
Is bacon required for this mac and cheese?
Bacon is optional but highly recommended for the infusion of flavor.
How much bacon should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried mustard.
How do I prepare the crock pot?
Spray the crock pot generously with cooking spray to prevent the pasta from sticking.
What is the first step in mixing the ingredients?
Begin by whisking the beaten egg and milk together in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
When should I add the spices?
Add the salt, pepper, and dried mustard to the milk and egg mixture after they are whisked together.
How long does it cook on the low setting?
On the low setting, it should cook for 2 to 5 hours.
How long does it cook on the high setting?
On the high setting, it should cook for 1 to 3 hours.
How do I know when the mac and cheese is done?
It is done when the pasta is fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is it normal for the mixture to look liquidy before cooking?
Yes, it is normal for the mixture to appear quite liquidy when first poured into the crock pot.
Should I stir the bacon in or leave it on top?
You can choose to stir the crumbled bacon into the mixture or leave it on top for a crispy finish.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as ideal for potlucks or cozy family dinners.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
What is the purpose of the dried mustard?
The dried mustard is added to provide an extra layer of flavor to the cheese sauce.
Can I use a different type of salt?
The recipe specifies kosher salt, but you can use your preferred salt to taste.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What should I do right before serving?
Once the cooking time is complete, stir the mixture well and serve it hot.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include comfort food, cheesy pasta, hearty, easy recipe, and family meal.