If you're craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a savory crunch, look no further than Gorgonzola Bacon Mac Cheese! This Italian-inspired comfort food is the ultimate indulgence, marrying the rich flavors of crumbled gorgonzola and crispy bacon with the classic macaroni and cheese we all know and love. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your mac and cheese game? Let's dive into this delicious recipe that promises to be the star of your dinner table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with bacon drippings, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled gorgonzola. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Fold in crispy bacon pieces.
- Transfer mac and cheese to serving dishes. Garnish with additional bacon bits if desired and serve hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal texture, make sure to cook the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. This will ensure that it holds up well when mixed with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor, cook the bacon until it's nice and crispy. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Smooth Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously after adding the milk to prevent lumps. A smooth sauce is key to a velvety mac and cheese experience.
- Cheese Choices: While gorgonzola and cheddar are a fantastic combination, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for added creaminess and flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra bacon bits on top before serving! A little garnish can elevate the presentation and make your dish even more appetizing.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Just assemble everything and refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, pop it in the oven to heat up and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 85mg
