Creamy White Mac N Cheese with Bacon

This Creamy White Mac N Cheese with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food dish! Whether you make it during the work week for the family or as part of your holiday dinner, it will be the talk of the show!

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Ingredients you'll need:

• 1 8-oz package Applegate Uncured Sunday Bacon, chopped
• 1 lb. Elbow Noodles, cooked until al dente
• 3 tbsp. Butter 
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp. Flour
• 1/2 tsp. EACH: Black Pepper, Salt, Onion Powder & Garlic Powder
• 3 1/2 cups Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 8 oz. Shredded Mozzarella
• 12 oz. Aged White Cheddar, box grated
• 8 oz. Colby Jack, box grated
• 2 oz. Cream Cheese

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How to Make Homemade White Mac N Cheese:

1. In a very oven-safe pot over medium high heat, add 1/2 tbsp. butter and the chopped @applegate bacon. Cook until browned and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon to a bowl and remove any bacon grease. 
2. Add the remaining butter to the pot. 
3. Once melted, add the minced garlic, flour, and seasoning. Whisk until all the flour has absorbed the butter and cook 1 more minute on medium heat. 
4. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, the simmer 5 minutes to reduce. 
5. Whisk in the cream cheese. It is okay to have small lumps and not be smooth. 
6. Set aside 1 cup shredded mozzarella. 
7. Whisk in the remaining shredded cheeses 1 cup at a time until the sauce is thick, smooth, and creamy. 
8. Fold in the cooked pasta and crispy bacon bits. 
9. Top with the set aside shredded mozzarella and broil in the oven on HIGH for 1-3 minutes, until slightly golden. 
10. Enjoy warm with freshly chopped herbs, such as basil or micro greens, to enjoy! 

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Can White Mac N Cheese be Made in Advance?

Yes, you make this white Mac n cheese in advance! Make the recipe up to Step 8, then cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate up to 3 days.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375F. Let the Mac n cheese sit at room temperature still covered for 30 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, remove foil and top with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Place bake in the oven and bake another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

I do not recommend freezing Mac N Cheese as the sauce can break up and become gritty.

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How to Store Leftover Mac N Cheese:

Store leftover Mac n cheese in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, place in a small oven-safe dish covered with aluminum foil to bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

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What is Applegate?

For over 30 years, Applegate has been producing the highest quality, all natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheeses, and frozen meat products. In fact, my mother has been buying their meats for well over 20 years! Growing up, Applegate products were always spotted in our family fridge.

What I love about Applegate is that they require all animals to be raised without antibiotics. Applegate is committed to advancing agriculture and processing systems like organic, non-GMO, and a holistic approach to happy, healthy animals producing clean meats.

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What is different about Applegate's Sunday Bacon?

Applegate's Sunday Bacon is made with humanely raised pork that was raised on family farms and NOT in crates. Their pork was also raised on a vegetarian feed diet and no facto-amine (a beta-agonist growth promoting). No antibiotics! No preservatives! All natural and organic!

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3 TIPS for The Best Creamy White Mac N Cheese:

1. Choose QUALITY cheeses. You'll be surprised by just how much the flavor profiles can change based on the ingredients you use, such as using good sharp cheddar cheese to deepen the flavor and keep a creamy texture.
2. Freshly grating the cheeses yourself is KEY! Try to avoid buying shredded cheeses, instead buying cheese blocks and using a box grater to shred it yourself. Shredded cheeses have extra starches and preservatives (typically) that can result in a gritty texture.
3. Use whole rick to keep the sauce rich and creamy. Avoid nondairy milks, skim milks, and the like which can make for a watery sauce.

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Cook with me! ⬇️

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I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL

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If you loved this delicious recipe I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #abrightmoment and tagging me @brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!

For more great A Bright Moment recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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“"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV