5 Ways To Spice Up Your Basic Bacon Mac and Cheese
Adding bacon to mac and cheese is nothing new. This tasty breakfast version adds a smoky flavour and crispy texture to this classic comfort food. But, if your family’s recipe has your taste buds begging for more, let’s shake things up. Now’s the perfect time to play with your recipe. Get cooking with these five ways to spice up your basic bacon mac and cheese.
Start With Soup
Every plate of basic bacon mac and cheese starts with a can of Campbell’s condensed cream of bacon soup. This one ingredient makes this comfort food favourite a breeze to whip up any day of the week.
Just whisk the soup with milk, and combine it with shredded cheese, chives, and cooked elbow macaroni. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish or cast iron and bake in a preheated, 425°F (220°C) oven for 15 or 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is hot and bubbling.
Bring On the Bacon
With Campbell’s basic recipe, you’ll enjoy plenty of flavours. This rich and creamy soup is a bacon-lovers favourite, but who’s satisfied with just the minimum? If you really want to bring it on, feel free to add 2 tablespoons of cooked crumbles to your cheese sauce. There are many options to choose from, like hickory smoked and low-fat turkey varieties that are certified crowd pleasers.
Our go-to method for perfect slices is to cook bacon in the oven. It comes out perfectly crispy, without the fuss of flipping. Cleanup is also easy because you can bake it directly on aluminum foil-lined baking sheets.
Change Up Your Pasta
Bacon mac and cheese is a delicious, family-friendly meal that has the potential to earn a spot on dinner’s regular rotation. Just don’t let it get boring. In addition to experimenting with different types of bacon, you can also change up your pasta. Ditch the traditional elbow variety and try something new.
There are dozens of products to choose from, but don’t be overwhelmed. We suggest starting with penne, rigatoni, or butterfly for a new twist. Some other mouthwatering options include cavatappi, which is a bit bigger than elbow, and shells (or conchiglie), which offer a perfect cradle for the sauce. Don’t forget: the key to perfect pasta is to salt your water.
Spice It Up
Keep your basic bacon mac and cheese recipe from getting old with a few spices you probably already have in your pantry. Make it bold and go chili-mac style. You’ll need a dash of cayenne pepper, taco seasoning, or hot sauce. Top it with a handful of sliced green onions and diced avocados, and serve it with chips and salsa.
Experiment With Cheese
Think outside the box and add a few new kinds of cheese to your macaroni and bacon mixture. Make some magic with white cheddar cheese, cream cheese, or Monterey Jack. Make it gourmet with decadent options like Gruyere, Muenster, or our favourite: smoked gouda.
Satisfy your cravings with these five ways to spice up your basic bacon mac and cheese recipe. Whatever ingredients you combine, remember to make extra.