Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Smoked Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon! Imagine the rich, smoky flavor of Gruyere cheese melting into a luscious sauce, perfectly coating al dente elbow macaroni, and topped with crunchy, savory bacon. This dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving a bowl of cheesy goodness, this recipe is your ticket to gourmet comfort food. Ready to elevate your mac and cheese game? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup smoked Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon grease in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon drippings, whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop a rich flavor.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded smoked Gruyere and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy and uniform.
- Season the cheese sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer mac and cheese to a serving dish, top with crispy bacon pieces, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the cheese sauce. This ensures a perfect texture!
- Bacon Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider using thick-cut bacon. The crispy bits will add a delightful crunch and richness to your dish.
- Cheese Choices: While smoked Gruyere is a star in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique twist.
- Roux Mastery: When making the roux, keep stirring to avoid burning the flour. A well-cooked roux will enhance the flavor of your cheese sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this mac and cheese hot and fresh, garnished with extra crispy bacon and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently and mix in the pasta when you're ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg