Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese
This “grown-up” mac ‘n cheese recipe takes this dish to the next level. The seemingly odd combination of cheeses combines to create something unbelievably good with just the right amount of zing. A local Providence restaurant that we love, 10 Prime Steak & Sushi, has a verrrry similar mac ‘n cheese on their menu. Try it at home or at the restaurant and you won’t be disappointed!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. pasta (elbows work well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups milk
- 6 tbsp butter
- 6 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup crumbled mild blue cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 tsp salt, or more to taste
- 1 tsp white pepper, or more to taste
- Ritz crackers, crumbled
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Melt the butter in a large sauce pan and sprinkle the flour over butter; cook 2-3 minutes over medium heat, whisking until a roux or paste forms
- Add warm milk and whisk vigorously until dissolved in the roux
- Cook sauce, stirring frequently, over medium-low heat until thick and bubbly
- Add cream and all of the cheeses as well as the salt and pepper
- Cook until cheese are fully melted
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta
- In a separate pan, cook the bacon until it’s crispy – transfer to a plate and blot with a paper towel
- Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the cheese sauce and mix well
- Pour the cheesy pasta into a large baking dish and top with the crumbled Ritz crackers
- Bake in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown