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Creamy Bacon Ranch White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

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A bubbling casserole dish with golden crust, melted white cheddar, crispy bacon crumbles, and ranch seasoning. This creamy, indulgent mac and cheese is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  4. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar, mozzarella, and ranch seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  7. Top the mac and cheese with crumbled bacon, panko breadcrumbs, and additional shredded cheddar.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
  9. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Freshly grate your cheese for smoother melting.’, ‘Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness.’, ‘Layer flavors by adding ranch seasoning to both the sauce and topping.’, ‘Watch the baking time to prevent drying out the dish.’, ‘Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, bacon, ranch, white cheddar, comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-white-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe/