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creamy baked bacon mac n cheese in a white casserole dish on a stove top

Baked Bacon Mac and Cheese


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  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Creamy baked bacon mac and cheese made with fusillini, a homemade cheese sauce, mozzarella, Colby Jack, cheddar, and crispy bacon. This cozy 9-by-13-inch casserole can be assembled ahead and is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound fusillini pasta

  • 10 ounces bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 standard 12-ounce can evaporated milk

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated

  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated

  • 16 ounces cheddar cheese, freshly grated


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish.

  2. Cook the fusillini according to the package directions, stopping when it is al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

  4. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and half of the seasoning mixture. Whisk continuously for 3 to 5 minutes, until the roux becomes smooth and paste-like.

  5. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, adding a little at a time and whisking until smooth and thick after each addition.

  6. Whisk in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and remaining seasoning mixture. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce is smooth, well combined, and slightly thickened.

  7. Combine the mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar. Add half of the mixed cheese to the sauce and stir until completely melted and smooth.

  8. Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

  9. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining grated cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish with all of the remaining cheese.

  10. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

  11. If desired, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese on top. Watch it closely so it does not burn.

  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Grate the cheese directly from the block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients and may not melt as smoothly.

Fusillini works especially well because the twists hold the thick cheese sauce, but rotini, cavatappi, shells, or elbow macaroni can be substituted.

Cook the bacon until crisp so it maintains a pleasant texture inside the casserole.

The cheese blend is flexible. Keep the total amount close to 32 ounces if you adjust the proportions.

Do not overcook the pasta or overbake the casserole. Both can cause baked mac and cheese to become dry.

For a more golden top, broil the finished casserole briefly before serving.

  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 25-30
  • Category: side
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American