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Irresistible Bacon Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe
Crafted over 20 years ago, this is the most requested recipe from friends and family. We have now served this to over 120 marines and the rave reviews confirm it, this is the BEST Mac and Cheese.
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, cheese, holiday side dish, mac and cheese, pasta, quick dinner, side dishes
Servings 6 People
Author Chef Alyssa McCord

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry macaroni noodles
  • 6 strips bacon chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup dry breadcrumbs Italian Seasoned
  • 2 tbs flour
  • 2 tbs butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pint buttermilk
  • 1 pint whole milk
  • 1 tsp stone ground mustard
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic powder
  • 4 Oz cream cheese
  • 1 - 1 1/2 pound assorted cheeses cheddar, gouda, fontina, jack, etc. The bigger variety the better, shredded

Instructions

  • Add the dry macaroni to salted boiling water. Stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to the directions on package.
  • Fry the bacon in a small pan. When brown and crispy, remove pan from heat. Remove bacon from pan leaving all fat. Add breadcrumbs to the hot fat and allow it to slightly cook the breadcrumbs. Set aside.
  • If using store bought breadcrumbs, I like to buy the Italian seasoned. If making homemade breadcrumbs, add 1/2 tsp of Italian Seasoning and 1/4 tsp of salt.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the butter and garlic on medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the flour and whisk. Continue to cook and occasionally whisk until the flour is cooked. It will have a nutty or popcorn type smell when ready.
  • Slowly add small amounts of buttermilk and whisk between each addition. Continue with the whole milk when the buttermilk is gone. After all milks are smoothly added in, add mustard and cream cheese. Simmer, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese is melted. The sauce should be on the thin side.
  • Remove from heat. Add in all the cheese and stir to melt the cheese.
  • When the pasta is cooked, strain it and mix the pasta and cheese sauce together. If you cooked bacon add it into the macaroni.
  • Once the macaroni and cheese is ladeled into each bowl, top with toasted breadcrumbs and serve.