Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Get ready for an epic, flavor-packed adventure as we transform your classic mac and cheese into an insane, creamy garlic masterpiece topped with a sensational crispy bacon crumble. This is about to be the most tempting, mouth-watering dish that will have your tastebuds begging for more!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
Creamy, dreamy, and absolutely loaded with flavor – this over-the-top mac and cheese is about to become your new favorite comfort food! The velvety, garlicky cheese sauce is out of this world, and the crispy bacon crumble on top takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Prepare to devour every bite and have your friends and family begging you to make it again and again. This dish is a total game-changer that will have you craving it long after the last spoonful is gone.
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on all the essential ingredients to create this epic, mouth-watering mac and cheese masterpiece. You’ll need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and crispy bacon.
- 1 lb – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Whole milk
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 4 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Parmesan cheese: Asiago or Pecorino Romano (other hard, aged cheeses can work well)
- Bacon: Crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs (for a non-meat topping)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
Prepare to be amazed as we transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise! Let’s get started on this epic mac and cheese adventure.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, then add the garlic, Parmesan, and cheddar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Add the cooked macaroni to the creamy garlic sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with the crispy bacon crumble.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes, or until the bacon crumble is golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Kick it up a notch: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a delicious kick of heat.
- Cheese it up: Experiment with different cheese combinations, like swapping in some smoked Gouda or pepper jack.
- Indulgent twist: Top it with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for an extra-luxurious touch.
- Bacon alternative: If you’re not a bacon fan, you can substitute crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for the bacon crumble topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh, crunchy salad for a balanced meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance, just don’t add the bacon crumble topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, top with the bacon and broil until crispy.
Nutrition Information
Get ready to feast on this incredibly indulgent mac and cheese dish! Each serving packs a whopping 550 calories, 35g of fat, and 30g of carbs. But don’t worry, the massive flavor payoff is more than worth it. Enjoy in moderation and pair with a fresh, crunchy salad for a balanced meal.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can swap in any short, tubular pasta shape, like penne, cavatappi, or even mini shells.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the mac and cheese in advance. Just assemble the dish, but don’t add the bacon crumble topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, top with the bacon and broil until crispy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. And use gluten-free pasta instead of the traditional elbow macaroni.
Can I freeze leftover mac and cheese?
Absolutely! This creamy garlic mac and cheese freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I make the bacon crumble topping?
For the ultimate crispy bacon crumble, cook the bacon until it’s golden brown and super crispy. Crumble or chop it into small pieces, then sprinkle it over the top of the mac and cheese before broiling.
Try These Next
- Three Cheese Macaroni With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Creamy Mac And Cheese With Smoky Bacon Swirls
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese With Savory Herb Crumble
Creamy Garlic Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and creamy mac and cheese, infused with garlic and topped with crispy bacon crumble for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for any cheese lover!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese
4 cups milk
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. 1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. 3. Stir in the flour, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, cooking for another minute until well blended.
4. 4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until melted. Mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and combined.
6. 6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
7. 7. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with crumbled bacon and breadcrumbs.
8. 8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, feel free to add more spices or herbs of your choice. You can also substitute the cheeses according to your preference. This dish is best served immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy, bacon, garlic