Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because I’m about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with this Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake! This isn’t your average mac and cheese, folks – it’s a flavor explosion that’s gonna have you coming back for seconds (and thirds, let’s be real). So grab your fork and get ready for the ultimate comfort food adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake
This Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake is the ultimate comfort food dream come true. We’re talking layers of gooey, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender macaroni all baked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance and your belly feeling like it hit the jackpot. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can whip it up for a cozy night in or impress your friends at your next potluck. Trust me, this dish is about to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients
To make this Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake, you’ll need a delicious lineup of ingredients, including elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, heavy cream, butter, and a few other pantry staples. The key is to use high-quality ingredients to really make the flavors pop.
- 1 lb (454g) – Elbow macaroni
- 8 oz (227g) – Crispy bacon, chopped
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) – Heavy cream
- 4 tbsp (56g) – Unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta: You can use any short, tubular pasta like penne, shells, or cavatappi (just adjust the cooking time if needed).
- Cheese: Feel free to swap in other melty cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a twist on the classic.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake
This Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake is a breeze to whip up, and the end result is pure comfort food bliss. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be digging into a pan of cheesy, bacon-y goodness in no time!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Next, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, heavy cream, and melted butter. Mix everything together until the cheese is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with an extra sprinkle of cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: Add a few diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a delightful kick of heat.
- Crunchy topping: Top the bake with a layer of buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra texture.
- Switch up the cheese: Try using a blend of different melty cheeses like pepper jack, Gouda, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Veggie boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach, broccoli, or diced tomatoes to add more nutrition and flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a crusty loaf of garlic bread.
Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the baked dish for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it off.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake is definitely a treat, but it’s also packed with some serious flavor power. Each serving contains around 450 calories, with a good amount of protein from the bacon and cheese. Just be mindful of portion sizes, and you can enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the baked dish
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any short, tubular pasta you like, such as penne, shells, or even cavatappi.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely assemble the Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake in advance and bake it right before serving. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You sure can! This dish freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or baking dish and freeze for up to 3 months.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
To add a little extra kick, try stirring in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a blend of spicy and regular cheeses.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be quite as rich and creamy.
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Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food Favorites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake is a comforting dish that combines creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and tender macaroni for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy; remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour; cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth; bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in the cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
7. Combine the macaroni, bacon, and cheese sauce in a baking dish; mix well.
8. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
For extra flavor, add some chopped green onions on top before serving.
Feel free to substitute different types of cheese for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: macaroni, cheese, bacon, comfort food