Here’s a recipe for Easy Cast Iron Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese that’s guaranteed to elevate your mac and cheese game! Everything cooks in just one skillet, and the crispy bacon adds a savory twist to the creamy, cheesy sauce. Plus, the combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese creates the perfect creamy texture with tons of flavor. Let’s get started!
Easy Cast Iron Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese
Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 16 oz macaroni pasta shells
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- ⅔ lb bacon, sliced widthwise
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- In a large cast iron skillet, add the macaroni pasta along with 4 cups of whole milk and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 8-10 minutes). You might have a little liquid left at the bottom, but that’s okay, as it will help make the sauce creamy later on.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pan or skillet, cook the sliced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop the bacon into smaller pieces and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. Keep stirring to prevent any clumping.
- Season the sauce with ground black pepper and mustard powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Combine Bacon and Pasta:
- Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, stir in the crispy bacon pieces that you cooked earlier. Mix everything until the bacon is evenly distributed.
5. Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet. You can garnish with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of paprika if you’d like.
Q & A:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute macaroni with any other pasta like penne, shell, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape and size.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the Monterey Jack and cheddar with other cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, or even a sharp blue cheese for a unique twist.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While mac and cheese is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Benefits:
- One Skillet Wonder: This entire dish is cooked in one skillet, saving you time on cleanup.
- Bacon Boost: Adding crispy bacon makes the dish savory and adds texture, elevating this classic comfort food.
- Quick & Easy: With only a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, this is the perfect weeknight dinner or a hearty side dish.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese results in a super creamy sauce with the perfect balance of sharp and smooth flavors.
- Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas or swap out the bacon for sausage or chicken to suit your preferences.
This Cast Iron Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The bacon adds that irresistible savory flavor, and the cheesy sauce is rich and creamy. Enjoy! 🧀🍝