Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese

Add bacon to mac and cheese and take this well-known comfort food to a whole new level. This quick and easy recipe is better than any boxed mix.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 631 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
• 3 slices OSCAR MAYER Center Cut Bacon, cooked, crumbled
• 1.75 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Step 3

At the same time, melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until mixture becomes paste-like and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cheddar and cook until melted, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add macaroni and bacon to the saucepan; gently stir to combine with sauce. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish; sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar over top.

Step 5

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and keep warm.