4-Cheese Mac 'n' Bacon

Name: 4-Cheese Mac 'n' Bacon
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 large platter, 10-12 serving(s)
Ingredients: butter, for casserole dish; 6 -8 slices thick center-cut bacon; 1 medium white onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 5 1/2 cups whole milk (do not use skim); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese (about 4 1/2 ounces); 1 1/2 cups grated gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces); 1 1/2 cups grated Fontina cheese (about 6 ounces); 1 1/2 cups gorgonzola, broken into small pieces (about 6 ounces); 1 lb elbow macaroni

⏱ 60 mins 🍽 1 large platter, 10-12 serving(s) 🏷 Cheese

Inspired by a Chicago restaurant favourite, this luxurious macaroni cheese is elevated with the addition of crispy bacon. It combines four distinct cheeses for a deeply flavourful and satisfying bake. The result is a creamy, golden-topped casserole that is sure to impress any guest. This recipe makes a generous platter, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

butter, for casserole dish
6 -8 slices thick center-cut bacon
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5 1/2 cups whole milk (do not use skim)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese (about 4 1/2 ounces)
1 1/2 cups grated gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups grated Fontina cheese (about 6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups gorgonzola, broken into small pieces (about 6 ounces)
1 lb elbow macaroni

Method

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter. Cook the bacon slices until crisp, then transfer them to paper towels. Drain all but about 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan. Return the pan to the heat and cook the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft. While stirring continuously, gradually incorporate the flour, adding it in roughly three parts, and cook for at least 1 minute.
Move the onion and flour mixture into a large, heavy-based saucepan. Place it over the heat and, while whisking, slowly pour in the milk. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly. Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, all the grated cheeses, and the crumbled bacon. Set this cheese sauce aside.
Boil the macaroni in a large pan, cooking it for 2-3 minutes less than the time stated on the packet. Drain the pasta in a colander, rinse it briefly with cold water, and drain once more. Mix the cooked pasta thoroughly into the prepared cheese sauce. Transfer everything to the buttered dish and bake for about 30 minutes until the top is nicely browned. Allow the baked dish to rest for at least 5 minutes before you serve it.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium1105700 mg

Recipe details

CategoryCheese

Authorchuckmall