Avocado and Bacon Mac and Cheese (Printable)
Rich, creamy mac and cheese topped with smoky bacon and fresh avocado for the ultimate comfort dish.
# What You’ll 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 Prepare:
01 - Boil elbow 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. Transfer to paper towels with a slotted spoon. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
03 - Melt butter with reserved bacon fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk until incorporated. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
05 - Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until completely melted and smooth.
06 - Add cooked macaroni and half the crispy bacon to the cheese sauce. Toss until pasta is evenly coated.
07 - Gently fold in diced avocado and lemon juice, being careful not to mash the avocado.
08 - Plate immediately and top with reserved bacon and fresh chives.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way cool buttery avocado melts into warm cheese sauce creates an incredibly luxurious texture
- Smoky crispy bacon adds the perfect savory crunch that keeps every bite exciting
02 -
- Add avocado at the very last moment because heat turns it brown and mushy, completely ruining its appeal
- Grating your own cheese makes an enormous difference in sauce smoothness compared to pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents
03 -
- Cook your pasta one minute less than the package directions since it will continue cooking in the hot sauce
- Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce if needed