Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
A rich, creamy mac and cheese infused with crispy bacon and a smoky, savory kick - perfect for a weeknight comfort meal
Bacon makes everything better, and mac and cheese is no exception. This version is rich, creamy, and packed with crispy, smoky bacon in every bite. A blend of melty cheeses and a crunchy, buttery topping take it to the next level. Whether it’s a cosy night in or a crowd-pleasing side, this dish always hits the spot.
Ingredients
75g butter
75g plain flour
850ml boiling milk
1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
230g cheese (Cheddar or half Cheddar, half Gruyère), grated
300g macaroni pasta
50g panko breadcrumbs
5-6 rashers of smoked bacon
1 onion
Method
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the chopped onion, and cook gently until soft
Stir in the flour, then gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, followed by the mustard
Whisk in about 180-200g of the cheese and allow to melt in the sauce, season with salt & pepper
Cook the smoked bacon rashers on a frying pan or in an air fryer until crispy, and chop into small bits
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, until just soft
Toss the pasta in the cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with the rest of the grated cheese, panko breadcrumbs, bacon bits, and pop into the oven until the top develops a golden brown colour
Serve immediately