mac & cheese with bacon

Name: MAC & CHEESE WITH BACON
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounce(s) bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips; 1 small leek, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoon(s) butter; 2 tablespoon(s) all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon(s) salt; 1 cup(s) milk; 1/2 cup(s) heavy cream; 1/2 cup(s) grated aged gouda; 1/2 cup(s) grated fontina; 1/2 cup(s) grated extra-sharp cheddar; 2 tablespoon(s) chopped flat-leaf parsley; 8 ounce(s) elbow macaroni, uncooked

45 Pinches 1 Photo

Ellen Gwaltney Bales

Indianapolis, IN

Updated on Nov 20, 2014

Mac and cheese is one of life's ultimate comfort foods. Add some bacon and other goodies and you will be in heaven! This recipe is unique in that you don't boil the macaroni beforehand. It will cook in the oven. Recipe & photo: Rachaelraymag.com 11-20-14

Rate

prep time 20 Min

cook time 25 Min

method Bake

yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

6 ounces bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips
1 small leek, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated aged gouda
1/2 cup grated fontina
1/2 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked

How To Make mac & cheese with bacon

Step 1

In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes; drain. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. of the drippings. Add the leek and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the butter; stir to melt.

Step 2

Add the flour and 1 tsp. salt, season with pepper and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, cream and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the cheeses. Stir 1 cup of the cheese mixture, the reserved bacon and the parsley into the sauce.
Step 4

Place the uncooked macaroni into an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Top with the sauce, and stir to coat the pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake in a preheated 350º oven until sauce bubbles and pasta is tender, about 25-30 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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