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Good Ole Mac And Cheese

This Good Ole Mac And Cheese is a creamy, cheesy classic with a crispy breadcrumb and turkey bacon topping. Comfort food at its finest!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup bread crumbs
  • 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture bubbles but does not brown. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
  • In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the cooked and crumbled turkey bacon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Oven

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess.
  • Don’t skip making the roux to achieve a silky, thick cheese sauce.
  • For richer sauce, substitute whole milk or half-and-half instead of regular milk.
  • Be careful not to overcook macaroni as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Try adding smoked paprika or hot sauce for extra flavor.