Maple Bacon Delight Mac & Cheese
Elevate your classic mac and cheese with this quick and easy stovetop recipe that features the savory goodness of Canadian bacon. Infused with a hint of maple sweetness, this creamy dish combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with sharp cheddar cheese and is seasoned to perfection with onion and garlic powder. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this one-dish meal is sure to please cheese lovers of all ages and leave them craving more.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
Canadian bacon
8 ounces (diced)
low-fat milk
1 1/4 cups
flour
2 tablespoons
sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups (shredded)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
paprika
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
While the macaroni cooks, heat a large non-stick saucepan over medium heat and add the diced Canadian bacon. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the bacon is crispy and browned.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-fat milk and flour until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the saucepan with the Canadian bacon, stirring constantly until it comes to a gentle boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
5
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well until the pasta is evenly coated.
6
Season with paprika to taste for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maple Bacon Delight Mac & Cheese?
It is an elevated, quick stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe featuring Canadian bacon and a hint of maple sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What kind of bacon is included in the dish?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of diced Canadian bacon for a savory, smoky flavor.
Is this a stovetop or oven-baked recipe?
This is a stovetop recipe, making it a quick and easy one-dish meal.
What type of cheese is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and creamy sauce.
How do I cook the Canadian bacon?
The diced Canadian bacon should be sautéed in a large non-stick saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until crispy and browned.
What ingredients are used to thicken the cheese sauce?
A mixture of 1 1/4 cups of low-fat milk and 2 tablespoons of flour is used as the base for the sauce.
What seasonings are used in this mac and cheese?
The dish is seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to taste.
How long does it take to sauté the bacon?
It takes approximately 5 minutes for the Canadian bacon to become crispy and browned.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain it.
Can I use whole milk instead of low-fat milk?
Yes, while the recipe specifies low-fat milk, whole milk can be used for a richer consistency.
When should I add the cheese to the sauce?
Add the shredded sharp cheddar once the milk and flour mixture has come to a gentle boil and the heat has been reduced to medium-low.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is creamy?
Stir the sauce constantly until the cheese has completely melted and the texture is smooth.
What does the paprika add to the recipe?
Paprika adds an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, this creamy, cheesy dish is sure to please cheese lovers of all ages.
Can I add garnishes to this dish?
Yes, it can be served immediately garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Add the drained macaroni to the finished cheese sauce and stir well until the pasta is evenly coated.
How much onion powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is the Canadian bacon cooked with the pasta?
No, the bacon is sautéed separately in a saucepan while the macaroni cooks in a large pot.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded sharp cheddar often melts more smoothly into the sauce.
What is the preparation for the macaroni?
The macaroni should be cooked according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a cheesy pasta dish.
Can I substitute the Canadian bacon?
While it provides a specific flavor, you could substitute it with regular bacon or ham if necessary.
How do I prevent the milk mixture from Burning?
Stir the milk and flour mixture constantly until it comes to a gentle boil to ensure it stays smooth and doesn't burn.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is a stovetop pasta dish that serves as a quick dinner or one-dish meal.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
The description mentions a hint of maple sweetness, though no refined sugar is listed in the ingredients.
Should the pasta be rinsed after draining?
The recipe does not specify rinsing; draining the pasta and adding it directly to the sauce is usually best for the sauce to adhere.