Easy Mac & Cheese

Easy Mac & Cheese is an easy family dinner idea that is ready & on the table in just 30 minutes. Rich & creamy & loaded with bacon, this mac & cheese is one of our most requested dinner recipes – ever!

Course dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword bacon, mac and cheese, pasta

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 18

Servings servings

Calories 687kcal

Ingredients

1 pack bacon thick - cooked & chopped - optional
8 oz elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter salted or unsalted - your preference
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt though I usually just sprinkle in the seasonings to taste
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp minced onions
½ tsp granulated garlic
1 cup half and half
1¼ cups mild cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

Cook the bacon- cut & set aside.
Prepare the pasta noodles to package directions- cooking al dente so they hold up in the mixing process.
Drain and set aside in large covered pot.
Prepare the roux by melting your butter in a 2.5-quart saucepan over low to med heat.
Once it is melted quickly whisk in your flour & seasonings.
Keep it moving & wait for it to darken slightly and come to a thick creamy texture.
Whisk in the half and half, whisking until it thickens.
Stir in the cheese and continue whisking until all cheese is melted and combined – at least 2-3 minutes.
Pour the cheese into the pot of noodles- toss in the bacon.
Stir well to combine and coat everything with cheese.

Notes

NOTE - you can use 2% or whole milk in place of the half and half. You can do a combination of any of those. I don't recommend using heavy cream unless you dilute it by 50% with water (making half and half). The roux will seize when the liquid is too thick.

ALSO - I have found that the perfect size saucepan is a non-stick 2.5 quart. Anything larger will create too much space for the sauce, it will be too thin across the bottom of the pan and heat too quickly - causing the roux to break down.

Nutrition