Description
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring a rich and silky cheese sauce blended with smoked turkey bacon for a smoky twist. Perfect as a main or side, this recipe combines simple pantry staples to create a decadent and satisfying meal loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Elbow macaroni – 3 cups (about 8 oz)
Cheese Sauce
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 4 tablespoons
- Milk – 3 cups
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 teaspoon
- Mustard powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) – 3 cups
Smoky Additions
- Smoked turkey bacon – 6 slices
Topping
- Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping the pasta warm for when the cheese sauce is ready.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces for sprinkling throughout the dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in mustard powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually mix in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until melted, smooth, and creamy. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the cooked macaroni and smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is covered. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden on top, about 20 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for the creamiest sauce.
- Do not skip making the roux to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil before topping for extra crunch.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken and settle.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, smoked turkey bacon, creamy cheese sauce, baked pasta