Be sure to try these other cheesy dishes like Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, Easy Taco Casserole, Baked Feta Tomato Pasta, and Instant Pot Mac and Cheese.
Expert Tips
Shred your own cheese! Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, since that doesn’t melt as well. For a seamless and creamy sauce, you will want to shred the cheese from a block of cheese. Use thick, high quality bacon for the best flavor! Only add a small pinch of cayenne and nutmeg here! These are supposed to add a very subtle flavor and spice, so don’t add too much. Start with a little pinch and add more to taste. Love it spicy? Serve with some hot sauce on top for some additional spice!
More Comfort Food Recipes to Try
Easy Cheese Tortellini Pasta Chicken and Potatoes in Dijon Cream Sauce Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Bacon Cheesy Chili Mac Easy Creamy Potato Soup
Did you make this recipe? EXCELLENT. Please rate the recipe below and be sure to tag me on social when you snap a photo of your CDLC creation – I love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen! Simple to Make: Surprisingly, this impressive mac and cheese is actually very easy to make at home! After making the base of the sauce using butter, flour, broth, milk and cream, you simply mix everything else together and bake! I will almost always admit that homemade is better, and in this case it is so worth it!
Macaroni Elbows: I used classic macaroni elbows for this recipe, but you can use other small pasta shapes as well like cavatappi or small shells! Butter & Flour: When butter and flour are combined, it is called a roux. Roux is used to thicken up creamy sauces like we are doing here! Chicken Broth: Part of the liquid used in the sauce is chicken broth. I used low sodium chicken broth so I can control the amount of salt going into the mac and cheese! Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: A combination of whole milk and heavy cream will make this sauce perfectly creamy! Spices: Garlic Powder, Dry Mustard, Cayenne Pepper, Ground Nutmeg, and Salt & Pepper are used to season this mac and cheese to perfection! Shredded Cheese: I used a mix of sharp cheddar and gruyere in a 3:1 ratio. However, any hard cheese you have on hand or simply your favorite cheeses will work well! Bacon: Cook the bacon however you would like, just make sure it is nice and crispy! Chop it up into small, bite-sized pieces once it is ready. Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are spread across the top of the mac and cheese for a crunchy bite!
