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Comfort food holds a cherished place in culinary traditions around the world, serving as a source of warmth and nostalgia. It is the food that brings us together, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy nights spent with loved ones. Few dishes embody this concept as perfectly as macaroni and cheese, a timeless classic that has evolved over generations into countless variations. Among the most indulgent of these is the Decadent Bacon Bomb Mac & Cheese—a dish that elevates the simple comfort of creamy pasta to new heights with the addition of crispy, smoky bacon.

Silky Mac & Cheese with Bacon

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Decadent Bacon Bomb Mac & Cheese recipe. Combining creamy elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, every bite is elevated by crispy bacon. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this indulgent dish is sure to impress. Follow simple steps to create a velvety, flavor-packed meal that celebrates the nostalgia of classic mac and cheese with a delicious twist.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

    Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat. Leave 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

      Make the Roux: With the skillet still over medium heat, add the unsalted butter to the bacon grease. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is a light golden brown and smells nutty.

        Add Dairy: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking for approximately 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

          Incorporate the Cheese: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the shredded sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Carefully fold the cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. Gently stir in the crispy bacon bits for an extra burst of flavor.

              Prep for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

                Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are lightly coated. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the mac and cheese for a crunchy, golden topping.

                  Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

                    Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness before serving.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 6 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve in individual ramekins or bowls for a delightful presentation. Enjoy warm, accompanied by a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal!