turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy turkey bacon. It’s the comfort food you crave for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any time you want something indulgent. This recipe stands out because it combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture that everyone will love. Let’s get started on making this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cheeses and crispy turkey bacon creates a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this dish without any culinary expertise.
- Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables or spices to suit your taste, making it versatile for any palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese fits right in.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 8 servings per recipe, it’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large high-walled skillet
- Medium skillet
- Whisk
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large high-walled skillet: Ideal for cooking the turkey bacon evenly without splattering.
- Silicone spatula: Great for stirring cheese into the sauce without scraping off non-stick coatings.
Ingredients
turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe requires the following ingredients:
For the Mac and Cheese
- Caramelized Onions, Optional
- 2 large yellow onions
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 strips thick-cut turkey bacon, hickory smoked is great
- 1 lb. medium pasta shells
- 1/4 cup butter (not needed if you have enough turkey bacon drippings)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Slice the onions into even, ¼-inch slices. Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat. Let them caramelize for 40–50 minutes while stirring every few minutes. Reduce heat to low if they cook too fast. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the turkey Bacon
While the onions are caramelizing, cut the turkey bacon into thirds for easy cooking. Add to a large high-walled skillet over low heat. Cook until crispy on both sides. Remove turkey bacon from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 4 tablespoons of bacon drippings; use butter if necessary.
Step 3: Boil Pasta Water
Now is a good time to start boiling salted water for the pasta shells.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Heat reserved turkey bacon drippings in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. Gradually add heavy cream while stirring continuously; then do the same with milk to avoid breaking the roux.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce to the mixture. Bring it to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions until just al dente; do not overcook. Drain well.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Reduce heat of sauce to low. Gradually sprinkle in cheeses while stirring continuously until melted. Mix in caramelized onions followed by drained pasta using a silicone spatula until combined.
Step 8: Add turkey Bacon
Roughly chop turkey bacon and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese. You may choose to stir some of it into the mixture as well.
Step 9: Garnish
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm!
How to Serve turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe
Serving your turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese is just as important as making it. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, the presentation and accompanying sides can elevate this comfort food to new heights.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan make for a classic pairing that complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
Add Crunchy Toppings
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Toasted panko sprinkled on top adds an extra crunch that enhances the dish’s texture.
- Crushed Potato Chips: For a playful twist, use crushed chips for a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
Serve in Individual Portions
- Mini Cast Iron Skillets: Serving in individual skillets not only looks appealing but also keeps the mac and cheese warm longer.
- Mason Jars: For a fun presentation, layer the mac and cheese in mason jars; they are perfect for gatherings or picnics.
How to Perfect turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe
To truly master your turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe, keep these tips in mind. They will help enhance flavor and ensure the perfect texture every time you make this dish.
- Bold Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding ingredients like smoked paprika or even sautéed garlic for an extra flavor kick.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for good-quality cheeses like aged cheddar or Gruyere for deeper flavors that truly shine.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook pasta just until al dente; it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing different types of cheese can create unique flavors; try adding mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining; adding it to your cheese sauce can help achieve a silky texture.
- Refrigerate Leftovers Correctly: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and maintain flavor.
Best Side Dishes for turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe
turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese is rich and filling on its own, but serving it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and flavor that harmonizes beautifully with cheesy dishes.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy balance and bright color to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring earthiness that pairs nicely with creamy mac and cheese.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, cutting through the richness of the dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory flavors of mac and cheese.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can offer a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of turkey bacon mac and cheese, balancing your meal perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people encounter pitfalls when making turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese. Understanding these common mistakes can help you create the perfect dish.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushy mac and cheese. Always follow package instructions and drain when it’s just al dente.
- Skipping the Cheese Sauce Base: Some may attempt to skip making a proper cheese sauce. This results in a less creamy texture. Take your time to whisk and melt the cheeses into the sauce for that rich flavor.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. For best results, shred your own cheese before adding it to the sauce.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season your sauce can lead to bland mac and cheese. Don’t forget mustard powder, thyme, and hot sauce; they elevate the dish significantly.
- Not Reserving turkey Bacon Drippings: Using all of the turkey bacon drippings can result in a greasy sauce. Reserve some for cooking the roux, and use butter if you don’t have enough.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It can last 3–5 days in the fridge.
Freezing turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20–30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe so special?
This recipe combines creamy cheeses with crispy turkey bacon, resulting in an indulgent comfort food that pleases everyone at the table.
Can I customize my turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli or swap out cheeses based on your preference. Experiment with different toppings for added crunch!
How do I make my turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe spicier?
To increase spice levels, add more hot sauce or include diced jalapeños. This will give your dish an extra kick!
What type of pasta is best for this turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe?
While medium pasta shells work great, you can also use elbow macaroni or cavatappi for different textures.
Final Thoughts
turkey Bacon Mac & Cheese is truly the ultimate comfort food. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a crowd favorite for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Bacon Mac & Cheese
Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate indulgent comfort food that combines creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta. This delicious dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion when you crave something satisfying. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s simple enough for cooks of all skill levels to whip up in no time. Transform your mac and cheese experience by following this easy recipe that will have guests coming back for seconds!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb medium pasta shells
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- mustard powder
- dried thyme
- garlic powder
- hot sauce
Instructions
- Slice onions and caramelize them in a skillet with butter and olive oil for about 40–50 minutes.
- Cook bacon in a separate skillet until crispy; set aside while reserving drippings.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
- In the skillet with reserved bacon drippings, whisk together flour and gradually add heavy cream and milk to create a sauce.
- Stir in seasonings and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Mix cooked pasta and cheeses into the sauce until melted; fold in caramelized onions and chopped bacon.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or swapping out different cheeses based on your preference. For extra crunch, consider topping with toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips.
