Bacon. Just the word conjures images of crispy, savory goodness that elevates almost any dish. And when it comes to classic comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of creamy, dreamy mac and cheese. But imagine combining these two titans of taste! This recipe for **Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese** isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming a beloved classic into an unforgettable culinary delight.
Thank you to Skinner® pasta for sponsoring today’s recipe. All opinions are my own.
Savoring the South: Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese for Family and Friends
Hello everyone! It feels like just yesterday we were packing up our lives, ready to embark on a new adventure. Can you believe it’s been over a year since we made the big move to the sprawling Houston area? My husband, Ryon, received an incredible promotion, which meant relocating our family from our beloved Corpus Christi. The transition wasn’t immediate; Ryon even spent a few months living in a hotel while we found the perfect house, meticulously packed, and prepared for our significant journey north.
Admittedly, it was a decision heavy with emotion. We were leaving behind the majority of my family and all our cherished friends. The sheer scale of Houston, with its endless highways and countless neighborhoods, was initially quite intimidating. Moving to a city so vast felt like stepping into an entirely different world compared to the more familiar landscape of Corpus Christi.
Ultimately, the prospect of Ryon’s career advancement and, more importantly, the promise of exceptional schools for our children, helped us embrace this new chapter. We carefully packed every memory and possession, heading approximately three and a half hours north of my hometown, eager yet nervous for what lay ahead.
Navigating Houston: Finding Community in a Metropolis
One of my initial excitements was the thought of reconnecting with a few friends who already lived in the Houston area once we were settled. However, I quickly learned a unique aspect of living here: even within the same city limits, an hour’s drive can separate you from someone! It’s a concept that still baffles me – how can neighbors be an hour or more apart? This vastness makes spontaneous meet-ups a bit of a strategic operation, especially when you have kids in tow.
And let’s not even talk about navigating the infamous Houston traffic. A short trip can quickly become an epic journey if you hit peak congestion. Managing these drives with young children in the back seat requires an extra layer of planning and patience!
Despite the initial challenges of adjusting to such a massive city, this past year has truly blessed us. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to forge wonderful new friendships through our kids’ school and our church community. We’ve found families with children the same age as ours, creating a perfect synergy for gatherings. These occasions allow the kids to play freely, burning off energy and building their own friendships, while the adults get the invaluable chance to engage in real, uninterrupted conversation – a rare luxury for parents!
The Heart of the Home: Cooking for a Crowd
My absolute favorite part about having people over is the opportunity it gives me to cook for a crowd again. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about preparing a generous meal to share with friends and family. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the laughter, the shared stories, and the creation of lasting memories around a bustling table. My go-to for such occasions is always a substantial pasta dinner or a hearty pasta-based side dish. Perhaps it’s the Italian heritage in me, but pasta has a way of bringing everyone together, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Introducing the Star: Our Irresistible Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese
Among my repertoire of crowd-pleasing recipes, this **Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese** stands out as an all-time favorite. It’s wonderfully easy to put together, yet consistently elicits rave reviews from everyone who tries it. I mean, what’s not to love about a dish that combines rich, gooey cheese with smoky, crispy bacon? It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated to a new level of deliciousness.
The Secret to Perfect Pasta: Skinner® Elbows
For this particular recipe, I used Skinner elbows, and the result was absolutely perfect. The pasta cooked beautifully, holding its shape and providing the ideal texture for the creamy cheese sauce. I consistently reach for Skinner pasta because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly budget-friendly, making it a staple in my pantry. Moreover, it’s Non-GMO verified, which is a big plus for our family.
It seems most Texans agree with me, as Skinner pasta holds the impressive title of the number one pasta in Texas! Its combination of great taste and economical pricing is sure to bring a smile to your face. When preparing a dish as beloved as mac and cheese, starting with quality pasta like Skinner makes all the difference, ensuring every forkful is as satisfying as the last.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, I sincerely hope you try and enjoy this **Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese**. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warmth, share joy, and indulge in truly delicious comfort food. This dish is designed to be a centerpiece, sparking conversation and bringing smiles to everyone around your table. It’s the kind of meal that makes new places feel like home and old friends feel closer.
The rich, smoky flavor of the bacon perfectly complements the sharp and creamy cheese sauce, while the Skinner elbow pasta provides that quintessential chewiness that makes mac and cheese so satisfying. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly become a regular request in your household. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!
Tips for the Best Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese
To ensure your bacon mac and cheese is truly exceptional, here are a few extra tips:
- **Crispy Bacon is Key:** Don’t undercook your bacon! Achieving that perfect crispiness adds a crucial textural element to the dish. Once cooked, drain it well on paper towels before crumbling.
- **Don’t Rush the Roux:** When whisking in the flour and milk to create your béchamel base, take your time. Cooking the flour for a minute or so helps remove the raw flour taste, and slowly adding the milk while whisking prevents lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth cheese sauce.
- **Cheese Choice Matters:** While the recipe calls for “cheese,” feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses. A sharp cheddar is classic, but adding a touch of Gruyère for nuttiness, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, can elevate the flavor profile. Always grate your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.
- **Serve Immediately:** Mac and cheese is always best served fresh and hot. The sauce is at its creamiest right after it’s made.
This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the warmth and happiness it brings to your kitchen and your dining table. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to make some incredibly delicious memories with this amazing Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese.
Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 5-7 slices of bacon
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of cheese (shredded cheddar recommended)
- 16 oz bag of elbow pasta, cooked (Skinner® pasta preferred)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble, and set aside. Keep 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Using the reserved bacon grease, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and softened.
- Whisk in the flour and allow to cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, adding approximately 1/2 cup at a time. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the warm cheese sauce over your freshly cooked elbow pasta and combine thoroughly. Stir in the chopped bacon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Skinner® pasta. Please note that this post contains an affiliate link, meaning if you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.