Kitchen notes · a little help before you start

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Name: Bacon Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 12 ounces bacon (chopped) (Source: 12 ounces bacon (chopped)); 2 tablespoons flour (Source: 2 tablespoons flour); 2 1/2 cups water (Source: 2 1/2 cups water); 4 cups milk (Source: 4 cups milk); 16 ounces uncooked short pasta (such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni) (Source: 16 ounces uncooked short pasta (such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni)); 1/2 teaspoon salt (Source: 1/2 teaspoon salt); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (Source: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder); 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (Source: 1/4 teaspoon onion powder); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (Source: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (Source: 1/4 teaspoon pepper); 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Source: 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese); 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (Source: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley)

Bacon Mac and Cheese is made with bacon, cheddar cheese, and uncooked short pasta.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 40 min
Original yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 12 listed

Make it part of your week

Estimating…

Main courseAmericanPorkPrep: 16–30 minutesTotal: 31–60 minutes

Recipe categories & planning details

Meal type: Main course
Primary protein: Pork
Cuisine: American
Preparation & total time: Prep: 16–30 minutes · Total: 31–60 minutes

A few quick notes

1. Prepare the thickener

Mix and add the thickener at the steps specified.

2. Prepare the sauce additions

Have the sauce liquid ready for the addition described in the method.

3. Keep the simmering stage

Follow the simmering heat, timing and finish checks that are given.

Get to know the ingredients

bacon (chopped)

In the method: Place the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat.

milk

In the method: Add the milk and whisk until combined.

uncooked short pasta (such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni)

In the method: Stir in the pasta, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Serve immediately.

A little more help as you go

Prepare the finishing addition

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

Prepare the whisked mixture

Keep the whisking step in its stated place in the preparation.

Return for the stirring

Stir occasionally as directed while the mixture cooks.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Start with this step: Place the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Mix and add the thickener at the steps specified.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just thickened.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

Storage & reheating safety

For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.

These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures

Recipe source: dinneratthezoo.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.

Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

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