TINY Kitchen Bacon Mac-N-Cheese

Normally, the TINY Kitchen is a pretty healthy and clean place to eat. But every now and then a little comfort food must cross our countertops. This recipe fits the bill. It’s an easy homemade macaroni and cheese that serves as an awesome foundation for those of you who love to customize your mac. Never ventured out of the box to try some crafty mac and cheese recipes (puns intended, as always)? Try adding fresh spinach and tomato with garlic. Or shredded buffalo chicken. Or crab. In this instance, I simply add some all natural uncured bacon for an extra dose of indulgent goodness. This dish makes an amazing main course, or a delectable side dish for a Thanksgiving potluck.

Enjoy!

Tessa

INGREDIENTS

6 pieces of all natural uncured bacon

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni

2 ½ tbs all purpose flour

¼ cup butter (no seriously – that’s all you need)

3 cups milk (unsweetened almond milk works, too!)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I prefer sharp)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

First, cook your macaroni according the directions, adding a tiny bit of salt to the water
As the macaroni cooks, slice your raw bacon into small strips
Add bacon slices to a cold skillet, and cook over medium heat until they are just a little crispy - don't overdo it!
Set bacon on a paper towel covered plate to cool
Once macaroni is done, drain and set aside to cool
At this point, pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees
Next up: in a large saucepan, place your butter and begin to melt over a low to medium heat
Once butter has started to melt, carefully add in your flour, so it starts to thicken but not clump (FUN FACT: if you are really fancy, or just French – this is called a “roux”)
Now add your milk to the pan slowly, and stirring constantly. Be careful not to dump it all in at once! It’ll clump. L
After a few minutes, stir in your delicious cheese
Cook your cheesy sauce mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is creamy and melted
Now, place your macaroni in baking or casserole dish, and pour your sauce over macaroni
Stir to combine
Sprinkle your bacon over the top
Bake for 30 minutes
Salt and pepper to taste