Southwest Bacon Mac & Cheese

_{This Southwest Bacon Mac & Cheese is the answer to your dinner-time woos. A home-style classic made with bacon and salsa. The perfect comfort food to bring along to an autumn potluck or weekend party!} 

Easy Southwest Bacon Mac & Cheese

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour Total Time: 1 Hour, 15 Minutes Servings: 8 Servings

Mac & Cheese is the dinner recipe of choice for my kids. It is the ultimate comfort food. If it were up to them, we would have a different variety every single night. They love it so much that I have learned quickly to develop healthy versions of their favorite meal.

This Easy Southwest Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe takes simple ingredients that you would have on hand already and turns it into a family-favorite meal. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you guys! 

Not only is this mac and cheese with bacon incredibly easy and delicious, but I also love that it can be made any time of year.

Ingredients Needed

Please note that a full list of ingredients and a printable version of this recipe is available below.

• 1 – 16 oz package Bacon – cooked
• 1 – 16 oz jar Salsa Medium Heat – We prefer Old El Paso or Mrs. Renfros
• 1 stick of unsalted butter – chopped in chunks
• 12 oz of New York Sharp Cheddar Cheese – chopped in chunks
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups, plus 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 egg – beaten
• 1- 16 oz box pasta

How To Make This Mac & Cheese

STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 350°.

STEP TWO: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the macaroni in a colander, rinse with hot water, and set aside. Sprinkle with a little olive oil to prevent the pasta from clumping.

STEP THREE: Cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Chop bacon into bite-size pieces. Set aside.

STEP FOUR: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat egg, add milk and flour until well blended. Set aside.

STEP FIVE: Next, make your roux, combine 1 cup milk, and chopped unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix until butter is melted. Then add in chopped cheddar cheese & parmesan cheese until melted. Add your egg, flour & milk mixture to your sauce pan. Cook until thickened.

STEP SIX: Now add in your pasta and stir until well combined. In a 3-quart baking dish, add your cooked cheese and pasta mixture. Mix in your bacon and salsa. Lightly mix.

STEP SEVEN: Bake at 350° for 60 minutes.

Smart Cooking Tips

Boiling the pasta – cook the pasta less than you normally would. I like to boil my elbow pasta for between 6 and 8 minutes. Remember the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to get mushy. This can be especially true if you are choosing to use gluten-free pasta.

Start with room temperature – If you can… cold liquids will often take longer to thicken than warmer ones. I like to leave my milk on the counter while I cook. I will also leave my cheeses as well. Any shortcut I can make, I do it, especially with hungry kiddos around.

Chopping or shredding your cheese – it is important to get your cheese chopped or shredded. Don’t leave it in big chunks, as it will take a long time to melt. Cooking time will have to be increased.

How To Store Mac & Cheese Leftovers

Any leftovers need to be refrigerated and covered tightly. Mac and cheese can be stored this way for up to a week. To reheat, stir in a little milk or cream and microwave, partially covered with plastic wrap. Stir frequently as it reheats.

Other Recipes With Flare

Fajita Style Easy Chicken And Rice Recipe

Cheesy Mexican Pretzel Bread with Chili Lime Dipping Sauce

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Easy Homemade Corn Dog Batter Mix

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