Description
A creamy and cheesy mac and cheese dish enhanced with crispy bacon and a crunchy pretzel topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheese sauce (sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, then slowly adding milk while stirring. Mix in shredded cheese until smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and crumbled bacon in a large bowl.
- Prepare the topping by mixing crushed pretzels with melted butter and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the bake in a greased baking dish, layering the mac and cheese mix and topping with pretzels.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, bacon, pretzels, baked pasta