The Cheesiest Mac and Cheese with Bacon
This mac and cheese is full of creamy, cheesy flavor everyone loves. Your family and friends will definitely want seconds!
Servings Prep Time
6-8people 20minutes
Cook Time
25minutes
Servings Prep Time
6-8people 20minutes
Cook Time
25minutes
Ingredients
  • 1teaspoon cooking oil
  • 1pound pastaelbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • 3tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 4cups whole milk
  • 4, plus 1cups freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheesedivided
  • 1cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
  • 6 strips baconchopped in small, even pieces
  • Freshly ground salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, bring about 1 gallon of water to a rapid boil. Add the cooking oil and pasta. Cook until just al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the roux develops a toasty smell, and turns slightly darker.
  4. Add the milk, 1 cup at a time to the flour roux, whisking vigorously until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the 4 cups of cheddar, in addition to all of the Asiago. Continue cooking and stirring on low heat until the cheese is melted completely, and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the pasta, and fold it all together until completely coated. Spoon into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar over the top.
  7. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling, and the top is golden-brown.
  8. While the casserole is baking, cook the bacon in a large heavy skillet until crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
  9. Remove the baked casserole from the oven and sprinkle the bacon on top before serving.