🥓🧀Mac & Cheese W/ Bacon 🧀🥓 *ONE POT + Bacon Pan*
Let me get this straight, the superior noodle for Mac & Cheese is certainly not macaroni, I must give credit it where credit is due and we wouldn't have Mac & Cheese without her but she is NOT the best noodle and I will die on that hill.
I hereby, formally introduce you to, ✨️Cavatappi✨️
she's swirly, twirly, and tubular. It seriously doesnt get better than that.
🧡💛Disclaimer before getting to the recipe: I am the "measure with your heart" type of cook. if you need a more exact recipe, you WILL NOT find it here. Thank you for your understanding 🥰 Now, on with the recipe...💛🧡
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🥓🥓🥓 Cook your bacon to your liking BEFORE beginning your sauce. -OR- Start it in the oven, I like to bake mine at 350ºF until its crispy, and that way it usually finishes up right around when Im ready to add it. 🥓🥓🥓
SAUCE TIME (Add in this order)
🧀 - Onion --- whole (chopped) cook until translucent
🧀 - Butter --- 4 TBS
🧀 - Flour --- 4 TBS
(equal parts Butter and Flour for your Roux, mix while the flour cooks, it will change color slightly. it also will tack onto the onion, thats okay)
🧀 Better Than Bullion Roasted Chicken Flavor --- 1-2 spoonfuls (combine with roux)
🧀 Milk --- 1-2 cups (I used half and half, and measured with my heart. I add until it makes a very thick creamy sauce.)
🧀 Cheese --- 2 - 3 cups of your favorite cheese(s) chopped into small, melt-able chunks (I used sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and provolone and mixed until it melted completely)
🧀 Add Your Seasonings of Choice Here! (*I listed mine below*)
🧀 Water --- 4-5 Cups (Measured with the heart, it will be watery, we are cooking pasta in the sauce and it will be absorbed when in doubt, leave it thicker and add more as needed while your pasta cooks)
🧀 Pasta Time! (Add your pasta of choice in (it better be cavatappi) and stir occasionally until its cooked through)
*Seasonings I Used*
- Paprika
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Pepper
- Salt
- Italian Seasoning
(this is all added to taste, the better than bullion has a decent salt content so TASTE YOUR SAUCE FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING, TASTE AS YOU SEASON)
When your pasta is beautifully cooked, mix in some (or all) of your bacon and enjoy!
When it comes to making Mac & Cheese, choosing the right pasta shape is key to capturing the creamy sauce and delivering the perfect bite. Cavatappi, with its spiral and tubular shape, is excellent at holding onto the rich cheese sauce and bacon bits, giving every forkful maximum flavor. Unlike traditional macaroni, these corkscrew twists trap sauce in their coils, improving the overall texture and taste. One-pot meals like this Mac & Cheese with Bacon recipe save time and reduce cleanup, making them ideal for busy weeknights or lazy dinners. Starting with cooking bacon either in the oven or on the pan ensures crispy texture that adds a smoky, salty punch to your creamy base. Building the sauce using a roux of butter and flour creates that velvety smooth base, which is then enriched with Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken flavor for added depth. Using half and half or whole milk contributes to a thicker, creamier sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. Mixing sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and provolone cheeses brings a balanced cheesy flavor with excellent melting qualities—feel free to adjust cheeses per your preference. Seasoning is just as important to achieve a nuanced flavor profile. Incorporating paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning creates complexity and warmth. Remember, tasting as you go is essential because the bouillon already adds saltiness. In terms of cooking technique, adding pasta directly to the sauce with some water or broth allows the noodles to absorb maximum flavor while evenly cooking in one pot. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and finish with some bacon mixed in to add irresistible crunch. For those who appreciate cooking with heart rather than strict measuring, this recipe invites you to personalize ingredient quantities and seasoning levels. It’s an authentic, user-friendly approach that promotes creativity in the kitchen while delivering a reliably delicious result. Serve this comforting, cheesy dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
