White Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese
This White Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese is irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and smoky with turkey bacon—perfect for comforting weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing potlucks!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking Dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk whole milk works best
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese sharp, tangy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese mild, melty texture
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon leaner alternative, smoky, crispy
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for crunchy topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional, to toss with breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a smooth, golden roux.
- Slowly pour in 4 cups of milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded white cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
- Fold the cooked elbow macaroni and 1 cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Optional: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Spread mac and cheese in a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy pasta with smoky turkey bacon and optional crunchy topping.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.
- Use dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe suitable for special diets.
- Regular bacon can be substituted for turkey bacon for a richer flavor.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch when baked.