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Glorious 3-Cheese Bacon Mac & Cheese Secret

3-Cheese Bacon Mac & Cheese (with Crunchy Topping)
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Make the ultimate 3-Cheese Bacon Mac & Cheese. This recipe features a rich cheese blend and a secret crunchy topping for amazing texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings (if desired, otherwise use 2 tablespoons butter). Crumble the bacon when cool.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter (or bacon drippings/butter mix) over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce until everything is well coated.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
  10. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
  • Warm milk incorporates into the roux more easily, preventing lumps in your sauce.
  • You can adjust the cheese blend based on your favorite flavors.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/3-cheese-bacon-mac-cheese-crunchy-topping/