Avocado and Bacon Mac and Cheese (Printable version)
Creamy, cheesy pasta with smoky bacon and buttery avocado creates an irresistible comfort dish perfect for any night.
# What you need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Add-ins
11 - 6 slices bacon, chopped
12 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
13 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
14 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
# How To:
01 - Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
03 - Melt butter with reserved bacon fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Add cooked macaroni and half the bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
07 - Gently fold in diced avocado and lemon juice, being careful not to mash the avocado.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with remaining crispy bacon and fresh chives if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The smoky bacon cuts through the rich cheese sauce in the most perfect way
- Fresh avocado adds this cool, creamy contrast that makes every bite exciting
02 -
- Adding cheese to a sauce that's too hot causes it to separate into an oily mess
- Fold the avocado in at the very end to prevent it from turning brown
03 -
- Grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce that actually melts properly
- Reserve some pasta water before draining in case you need to thin the sauce