I actually made this Four Cheese Bacon Mac in OCTOBER of last year, back when I had the ridiculous idea that I was going to get ahead and save some recipes for “maternity leave” after I had the baby. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha!
It’s funny, you don’t really know how much something is missing from your life until you have it. Ian has only been with us for two (short?… long?… depends how much sleep I got the night before when you ask me) months and I can’t imagine our life without him. He has been such a joy. Something else that will bring you life-changing joy and not take you a grueling nine months to make? This macaroni and cheese.
I like using cavatappi pasta- it’s a little fancier than your usual macaroni noodle, but you could use whatever shape you prefer! This recipe is hungry husband, picky kid, and new mama approved.
Cheesy macaroni and cheese with bacon.
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- 6 slices bacon cooked and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup colby-jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 6 slices Kraft American cheese
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Cook bacon as desired. (I like to arrange on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 425 for 15 minutes.)
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Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 3qt baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Cook cavatappi pasta as directed on the package. (Make sure to lightly salt the water.)
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In a medium saucepan, melt butter and flour together over medium heat.
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Slowly whisk in the milk, pouring in a thin stream and stirring constantly.
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Stir in onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Allow milk mixture to come to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer two minutes.
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In a large bowl, toss together cheddar, colby-jack, and mozzarella.
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Whisk in sliced cheese and 1 1/4 cups of cheddar mixture. Remove from heat.
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Toss the bacon pieces in with remaining cheddar mixture.
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Combine pasta and cheese sauce, toss to coat.
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Pour half into prepared dish and sprinkle with a generous cup of the bacon-cheese mixture. Repeat layering.
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Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.
Tanya says
Lovely recipe…..
Nikki says
Is there a replacement for the American Cheese?
Kim says
Have you ever made this ahead of time and frozen it? If so, what did you do for reheating?
KT says
YUM! made this for dinner and it was delicious. I made it without bacon(this time). It was very tasty even before i put it in the oven, You could eat it with the cheese sauce just poured over the noodles. Very good recipe thats going in the ol recipe box
JackieM says
This sounds wonderful, can’t wait to try. Thanks for a great recipe!!
Jamie says
That looks yummy – my family would love this. Pinning to try! Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
Kim~madeinaday says
Great lookin pasta dish~ Bacon makes it better! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Yummed & Sharing on Twitter! Have a great week!
Kim
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Cheese + bacon = life. I can’t wait to try this out!