Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
8 servings
60 minutes
Macaroni with cheese and bacon is a cozy dish that comes from European cuisine and has become a favorite in many families. Its roots trace back to the traditions of baked pasta preparation, and the combination of creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon makes it an ideal choice for a hearty dinner. The taste is a harmony of softness and richness: the creamy cheese sauce with hints of nutmeg and mustard complements the tender al dente pasta texture, while the fried bacon adds pleasant saltiness and crunch. Baking with breadcrumbs and parmesan creates a golden crust that gives the dish a finished flavor. Macaroni with cheese and bacon is perfect as a standalone dish or accompanied by a light salad, providing warmth and comfort with every bite.
1
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and grease a 35x20 cm baking dish.
2
Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the flour and cook for a minute. Add the mustard, remove the pot from heat, and gradually pour in the milk and cream. Add the bay leaf.
- Butter: 100 g
- Wheat flour: 100 g
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 1.2 l
- Heavy (double) cream: 0.08 l
- Bay leaf: 1 piece
3
Place the pan on the heat, stirring constantly until it boils and thickens. Remove the pot from the heat, take out the bay leaf, and add cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts. Season with plenty of black pepper and nutmeg.
- Cheddar cheese: 400 g
- Ground nutmeg: pinch
- Ground black pepper: to taste
4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook for 10 minutes or until al dente, drain well, and add to the sauce.
- Pasta: 500 g
- Salt: to taste
5
Fry the bacon in a pan until crispy. Add the macaroni cheese and pour the mixture into a heatproof dish.
- Smoked bacon: 100 g
6
Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan and sprinkle on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.
- Breadcrumbs: 60 g
- Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano): 50 g
