Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering delight with this sumptuous Bacon & Cheese Macaroni Bake recipe! 🥓🧀 Perfect for any occasion, this dish boasts a blend of savory bacon, creamy cheese, and tender macaroni, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, you’ll have this delightful masterpiece ready to serve in under an hour! 😋
Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of crafting this delectable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of bacon
- 1 onion
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (8 ounces) of diced pimentos
Instructions:
1. Prep Work:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures your Bacon & Cheese Macaroni Bake will bake to golden perfection!
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, set aside the bacon strips, reserving about 1/4 cup of drippings for added flavor. 🥓
3. Crumble the Bacon:
- Crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces, setting aside 4 or 5 strips for later use as a tantalizing topping.
4. Sauté the Onion:
- Utilizing the remaining bacon drippings in the skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent and fragrant, infusing the dish with delicious flavors.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion with cheese soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and heated through, creating a creamy and savory cheese mixture that serves as the heart of this dish.
6. Combine Ingredients:
- To the cheese mixture, add the crumbled bacon, cooked elbow macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and diced pimentos. Gently fold these ingredients together until evenly distributed, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
7. Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create a smooth surface.
8. Add the Finishing Touch:
- Arrange the reserved strips of bacon on top of the macaroni mixture, creating an enticing presentation that promises indulgence with every glance.
9. Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling with irresistible temptation.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Bacon & Cheese Macaroni Bake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates, savoring the aroma and anticipation of each delicious bite. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes or enjoy on its own for a truly satisfying culinary experience. Bon appétit!
With its crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this Bacon & Cheese Macaroni Bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will leave everyone craving seconds! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight in the irresistible flavors of this hearty and comforting meal. Cheers to good food and great company! 🎉
