Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese

4.5
(107)

With added bacon, mac and cheese becomes elevated comfort food. This recipe is quick and easy, creamy and cheesy — it's everything you need!

Mac and Cheese with bacon and Cheddar on white plate
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 ¾ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 2 cups milk, or as needed

  • 2 cups KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided

  • 3 slices OSCAR MAYER Center Cut Bacon, cooked, crumbled

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and keep warm.

  3. At the same time, melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until mixture becomes paste-like and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cheddar and cook until melted, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add macaroni and bacon to the saucepan; gently stir to combine with sauce. Add additional milk only if needed to evenly coat the pasta. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish; sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar over top.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Recipe Tip

You can use mild Cheddar cheese if desired.

304 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

631 Calories
37g Fat
45g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 631
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 37g 47%
Saturated Fat 23g 114%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Sodium 950mg 41%
Total Carbohydrate 45g 16%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Protein 30g 59%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 559mg 43%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 292mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.