Who doesn’t LOVE comfort food! Mmm! Seriously though after a hard day there’s noting quite like a bowl of this cheesy goodness! We garnish it with lots of fresh bacon crumbles and extra cheese so it not only looks impressive but the taste dances in your mouth! Enjoy my recipe from Night #6!
Homemade Mac N Cheese with Bacon
1 lb center cut bacon
3 cups half n half
3 sprigs fresh Thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
salt n pepper
1 stick + 1 tablespoon butter
2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
Bake bacon on a rimmed cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
In a saucepan warm half n half, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper, and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Let all of the flavors infuse the half n half for about 5-8 minutes.
In another saucepan we are going to start a roux (RUE). This is the thickening agent to create the cheese sauce. Melt 1 stick butter over medium heat, once melted add 5 level tablespoons of flour and whisk until a paste is created. Now take the half n half mixture from the first pan and pour into the roux. Whisk then add 2 cups milk. Continue to stir until sauce thickens then turn to low heat. At this point add in 2 cups of Shredded Cheddar-Jack Cheese and 1 cup mozzarella. Also set aside 1 cup sharp shredded cheddar for the garnish.
Boil 1 lb macaroni noodles al dente. Drain and mix with cheese sauce. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese and chop cooked crispy bacon and put on top of macaroni! Now eat…you deserve it!
Serves approx 6-8
diJESStibles 