Bacon Mac and Cheese

25

Minutes Prep Time

25

Minutes Cook Time

4-6

Servings

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large pot

• Colander for draining pasta

• Cheese grater

• Medium saucepan

• Whisk

• Knife and cutting board

• Oven-safe casserole dish

INGREDIENTS

• Package of pasta, your favorite shape

• 8oz Havarti (Block cheese not pre-grated)

• 4oz Parmesan (Block cheese not pre-grated)

• 5oz thick cut bacon (Cold)

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 2Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsbp garlic powder

• 2 cups milk

• Pinch of salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by cooking your pasta. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Then, drain using the colander and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the bacon. While the bacon is cold, cube the bacon into small bite-size pieces. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once it has cooled a bit, chop it into small pieces.

3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Now, we'll prepare the cheese sauce. Start by grating the Havarti and Parmesan cheese. Keep the cheese separate as you'll be adding them at different stages.

5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and garlic powder, stirring continuously until a thick paste forms. This is called a roux and will help thicken your cheese sauce.

6. Gradually whisk in the milk until it's fully incorporated into the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.

7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until it has thickened, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

8. Reduce the heat to low, then add the Havarti and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

9. Season your cheese sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remember that both the cheese and bacon are quite salty, so go easy on the added salt.

10. Now, add your cooked and drained pasta to the sauce, stirring until it's fully coated with the cheese sauce.

11. Stir in the cooked, chopped bacon.

12. Pour the mac and cheese into your oven-safe casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

13. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

14. Allow your Bacon Mac and Cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving.