Introduction
Game day is the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family, cheering on your favorite team while indulging in delicious comfort food. And what could be more comforting than a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac ‘n cheese? This One-Pan Cheddar and Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese takes the classic dish to the next level, combining rich cheddar, crispy bacon, and the ease of a one-pan preparation. No fuss, no hassle—just a glorious dish that allows you to focus on the game and your loved ones.
Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or enjoying a cozy afternoon in front of the television, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. With a perfectly gooey texture, smoky bacon, and a hint of crispy topping, this mac ‘n cheese is the game day dish you won’t want to miss. Grab your favorite team’s jersey, kick back, and get ready to dig into this decadent treat—because the only thing better than football is enjoying it with your favorite food!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 strips of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
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- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. After cooking, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, letting the bacon drippings remain in the pan.
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- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until it becomes tender. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it releases its aroma.
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- Introduce the elbow macaroni to the skillet and add the chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine and bring the mixture to a light boil.
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- Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed, stirring occasionally.
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- Take the skillet off the heat. Mix in the butter, smoked paprika, black pepper, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until everything is well blended.
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- Slowly incorporate the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they are melted and the mixture is creamy.
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- Gently fold in the crispy bacon and combine thoroughly. Adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
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- Serve right away, topped with chopped green onions for added color and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Macaroni Pasta: 2 cups elbow macaroni or any short pasta of your choice.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping.
- Bacon: 6-8 strips of thick-cut bacon, diced (or more for extra flavor!).
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk for creaminess.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for richness.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening the cheese sauce.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for added flavor.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon for depth of flavor.
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon for a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup for topping, optional for added crunch.
- Chives or Parsley: For garnish, optional but adds a fresh touch.
These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and indulgent mac and cheese that’s perfect for game day gatherings!
Baking Process
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will bake evenly and thoroughly.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your favorite macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Cook the Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, take a large, oven-safe skillet and place it over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
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Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in 4 cups of milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Cheese and Seasoning: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated. If you like, you can also add a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños for a kick of heat.
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Transfer and Topping: Spread the mac ‘n cheese evenly in the skillet. For an extra cheesy and crispy topping, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese and some breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) over the top.
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Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
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Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce to settle a bit, making it easier to scoop out portions.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve hot, perfect for your game day gathering! Enjoy every cheesy, bacony bite!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your One-Pan Cheddar and Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese for Game Day, consider these delightful serving suggestions that will impress your guests and complement the rich flavors of the dish:
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Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
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Spicy Kick: Serve alongside a small bowl of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to cater to those who love a little heat.
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Crunchy Toppings: Add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top for some extra crunch. You can even bake it for a few minutes to get it golden and crispy.
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Side Salads: Balance the richness of the mac ‘n cheese with a refreshing side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs nicely.
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Dipping Options: Offer some ranch or buffalo sauce for dipping. It adds an extra layer of flavor and makes for a fun interactive meal.
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Bread Accents: Serve with warm, buttery garlic breadsticks or soft dinner rolls for an earthy complement. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce!
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Beverage Pairing: Consider serving with chilled craft beers, fruity ciders, or a refreshing lemonade to wash down the cheesy goodness.
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Themed Appetizers: Create a Game Day spread by including classic snacks like buffalo wings, nachos, or sliders to round out your menu and keep the game-day vibe strong.
These suggestions will not only enhance your One-Pan Cheddar and Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese but also create a festive atmosphere perfect for cheering on your favorite team! Enjoy the game!
Conclusion
This One-Pan Cheddar and Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that perfectly complements any game day gathering. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the savory crunch of crispy bacon makes it irresistible for fans of all ages. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly convenient, allowing you to whip up a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
As you huddle around the screen cheering on your team, this dish is sure to become a fan favorite. Feel free to customize by adding in your favorite ingredients, such as jalapeños for a spicy kick or broccoli for a touch of green. Whether you’re hosting a big watch party or keeping it cozy with a few friends, this mac ‘n cheese will undoubtedly score big points.
So grab your ingredients, gather your friends, and get ready to indulge in this cheesy delight. Don’t forget to share your own twists and experiences in the comments below—I’m always excited to hear how you make this dish your own! Enjoy the game and bon appétit!