Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the rich, creamy delight of Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese. This dish combines the gooey goodness of mac and cheese with the irresistible crispness of bacon, all cooked to perfection in one skillet.

Imagine the harmony of perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a silky cheese sauce, punctuated by the smoky flavor of bacon and the satisfying crunch of a golden breadcrumb topping.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. Let’s dive into the ingredients, equipment, and steps needed to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients for Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese

The magic of Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese lies in its rich and varied ingredients. From the robust sharp Cheddar to the creamy Gruyere and the crispy bacon, here’s what you need to assemble this culinary masterpiece.

To make this mouthwatering Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound dry pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or penne)
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup rendered bacon fat
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that make Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese an irresistible dish. The combination of cheeses—sharp Cheddar, creamy Gruyere, and salty Parmesan—ensures a rich and complex flavor profile, while the panko bread crumbs and bacon add a satisfying crunch.

Required Equipment

• Large 12-inch oven-safe skillet: Essential for preparing the bechamel sauce and baking the mac and cheese.
• Large pot for boiling pasta: Necessary for cooking the pasta to the perfect texture.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing the breadcrumb topping.
• Whisk: For ensuring a smooth and lump-free bechamel sauce.
• Spatula: Ideal for stirring and combining ingredients.

Required Time

• Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Active cooking: 20 minutes

The preparation and cooking time is quite reasonable for such a rich and satisfying dish. With a little planning and preparation, you can have this decadent meal ready in just over an hour.

Step By Step Instructions for Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese

Cooking Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This section provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. From making the bechamel sauce to baking the final product, follow these instructions to culinary success.

Prepare the Bechamel Sauce: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste. Slowly add 3 cups of hot whole milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Add nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of dry pasta until just shy of al dente, then drain. The pasta should be slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook when baked.

Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon dry mustard and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper into the bechamel sauce. Gradually add 2 cups grated sharp Cheddar, 1 cup grated Gruyere, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Pour in 1 cup milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream, and adjust seasoning. The additional milk and cream ensure the sauce remains creamy and doesn’t dry out during baking.

Cook the Bacon: In another skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and reserve 1/4 cup rendered bacon fat. Crumble the bacon into small pieces once it has cooled.

Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the bechamel sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. This step is crucial for ensuring the pasta is evenly covered with the rich cheese sauce.

Prepare Bread Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and the reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle this mixture and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. The breadcrumb mixture should be evenly distributed to create a crunchy topping.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Top with crumbled bacon and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the dish to set slightly.

Tips for Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese

Even the best recipes can benefit from a few expert tips. Here, we offer practical advice to enhance your Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese, from selecting the best cheeses to ensuring even baking. These tips will help you elevate your dish to gourmet levels and impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

• Cheese Selection: Use a blend of cheeses for the best flavor and texture. Sharp Cheddar gives a robust taste, while Gruyere adds creaminess, and Parmesan provides a salty kick.
• Bacon Fat Utilization: Incorporate rendered bacon fat into the bread crumbs for extra flavor. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a crispy texture.
• Pasta Cooking: Ensure pasta is just undercooked when boiling; it will finish cooking in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Even Cooking: Stir the mac and cheese occasionally while baking to ensure even heat distribution. This helps achieve a uniform texture and prevents the edges from drying out.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the bechamel sauce before combining it with the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. This ensures the final dish is perfectly seasoned.

Get details about more mouthwatering recipes

Texas Roadhouse Herb Chicken Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Steak Marinade Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Steak Kabob Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe

Serving Tips for Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese

Presentation and pairing can make or break a dish. In this section, we provide suggestions for the best accompaniments to serve with your Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese. From ideal side dishes to beverage pairings, these tips will help you create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

For the perfect dining experience, serve Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese with:

• Green Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad can balance the richness of the dish.
• Bread: A slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs wonderfully with the cheesy, savory flavors. The bread can be used to scoop up any remaining sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
• Light Beverages: A crisp white wine or a light beer complements the cheesy, savory flavors. These drinks help cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for added color and a hint of freshness. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a subtle burst of flavor.

Nutrition in Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese

Understanding the nutritional content of your favorite dishes is important, even for indulgent comfort foods like Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese. Here, we break down the calorie count, protein, fat, and other nutritional information, offering a clear picture of what you’re consuming. This knowledge helps in making informed choices about portion sizes and frequency of indulgence.

This indulgent dish offers a rich profile of nutrients, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content:

• Calories: Approximately 600 per serving, making it a hearty meal.
• Protein: Around 25 grams, providing a good source of muscle-building nutrients.
• Fat: About 30 grams, including saturated fats from cheese and bacon. While high, this contributes to the dish’s rich flavor.
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 50 grams, primarily from pasta and bread crumbs, providing the necessary energy.
• Calcium: High, thanks to the dairy components, supporting bone health and muscle function.

While this dish is undoubtedly rich, it also provides essential nutrients, including protein and calcium. However, due to its high calorie and fat content, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

Conclusion

Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese is a celebration of comfort food at its finest. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this recipe is a surefire hit that combines convenience with gourmet flair.

Enjoy every cheesy, savory forkful and relish the simplicity of this one-skillet wonder. As you savor the rich flavors and textures, you’ll understand why this dish is a beloved favorite for many. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to indulge in a truly delightful culinary experience.

FAQs