Baked Bacon Macaroni and CheesePhoto byGin Lee

Baked Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the savory goodness of this delectable macaroni-and-cheese dish. The perfect combination of crispy bacon and creamy cheese will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of elbow macaroni, precooked
• 1 pound of bacon, precooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 4 1/2 cups of shredded American cheese
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt
• 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 4 quarts of water (for cooking the noodles)

Instructions:

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the precooked pasta and cook for approximately ten minutes. Drain the water and return the macaroni to the pot. Stir in four tablespoons of butter and set aside.

In a large skillet, place the bacon strips. Set the burner to medium heat and cook the bacon, flipping it frequently to ensure even browning. Allow it to cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Next, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Once the bacon has cooled, either crumble it with your fingers or chop it into bite-sized pieces with a knife. Set the crumbled or chopped bacon aside for later use.

In a separate large pan over medium heat, melt four tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and stir continuously. Gradually pour in the milk, American cheese, and seasonings. Stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all noodles are evenly coated. Then add the crumbled pieces of bacon. Stir well.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 9x13 deep casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately twenty-five minutes.

Allow the dish to rest for ten minutes before serving. Serve and savor the delicious flavors of this baked bacon macaroni and cheese. Enjoy!