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3. **Make the Cheese Sauce:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture (called a roux) is golden brown and bubbly.
– Slowly add the milk (or half-and-half), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
– Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder (if using), and the shredded cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine the Pasta and Bacon:**
– Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta with that creamy, cheesy goodness. Finally, fold in the crumbled bacon and mix it well into the macaroni.
5. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Serve the cheesy bacon mac and cheese hot. If you’d like, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top and pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
### Why This Recipe is My Hubby’s Kryptonite
Every time I make **Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese**, my husband can’t help but devour it. The rich, creamy cheese sauce is the ultimate comfort food, and the crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that takes it to another level. He loves how the cheese melts perfectly into every nook and cranny of the pasta, while the bacon bits offer bursts of smoky flavor. It’s a dish that satisfies every craving: creamy, cheesy, salty, and crunchy.
This is the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, no matter how long your day has been. It’s comforting in all the right ways, and for my husband, it’s the meal he can’t resist. Every time I make it, he’s already asking when I’ll make it again, because it truly is his kryptonite!
### The Best Part: It’s Easy to Make!
Not only is this dish indulgent, but it’s also simple to put together. There’s no complicated preparation, and the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. You can make it as a quick weeknight dinner or even for a weekend gathering—either way, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? You can easily adjust the recipe to your preferences. Want more bacon? Add extra slices. Prefer a different cheese? Switch it up! This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving.
### Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese:
– **Make It Extra Creamy:** If you prefer a richer dish, substitute some of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
– **Use Different Cheeses:** While sharp cheddar and mozzarella create the perfect balance of flavor and texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
– **Leftovers?** This dish tastes even better the next day! Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore the creaminess.
– **Add Vegetables:** If you’re looking to add some vegetables, sautéed onions, garlic, spinach, or even broccoli work wonderfully with this mac and cheese.
### Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further than this **Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese**. It’s the dish that my husband simply can’t get enough of, and I’m pretty sure it’ll be the same way for your family too. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy bacon, it’s the perfect meal for anyone who loves indulgent, hearty comfort food. Make it once, and like my husband, you’ll be asking for more!
