Smoky Bacon and Herb-Infused White Cheddar Mac 'n' Cheese

Name: Smoky Bacon and Herb-Infused White Cheddar Mac 'n' Cheese
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni; 2.5 cups milk; 2 cups water; 1 tsp garlic salt; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 cup margarine; 0.25 tsp ground black pepper; 1.5 cups shredded white cheddar cheese; 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided; 0.25 cup panko bread crumbs; 0.25 cup real bacon bits; 1 tbsp snipped chives

Elevate your classic mac 'n' cheese with smoked bacon pieces, fragrant chives, and a crispy panko topping. This one-pan dish combines shredded white cheddar and Parmesan for an irresistible melted cheese sauce.

Recipe Info

Prep Time

25 min

Difficulty

Easy

Servings

Nutrition

calories585calories

carbohydrates64g

fat26g

protein27g

Dinner American

Ingredients

16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni

2.5 cups milk

2 cups water

1 tsp garlic salt

0.5 tsp salt

0.25 cup margarine

0.25 tsp ground black pepper

1.5 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

0.25 cup panko bread crumbs

0.25 cup real bacon bits

1 tbsp snipped chives

Directions

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine macaroni, milk, water, garlic salt, and salt. Bring to a boil, occasionally stirring; reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 7 to 10 minutes.

Off heat, mix in margarine and black pepper until melted. Stir in white cheddar and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until they've melted as well.

Top the macaroni with bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and bacon bits.

Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Broil until the topping is golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes.

Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately.