Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese With Bacon Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese With Bacon Recipe is a rich and creamy dish, which uses mature Cheddar and smoked bacon lardons. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 55 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese With Bacon Recipe Ingredients

• 100g butter
• 100g plain flour
• 1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard
• 1.2 ltrs whole milk
• 5 tbsp double cream
• 1 bay leaf
• 400g mature Cheddar, grated
• Black pepper & nutmeg
• 500g dried macaroni
• 100g smoked bacon lardons
• 60g white breadcrumbs
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated

How To Make Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese With Bacon Recipe

1. Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to form a paste.
2. Add the liquids: Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the milk, cream, and mustard until smooth. Add the bay leaf.
3. Simmer the sauce: Return to the heat and simmer until thickened. Discard the bay leaf.
4. Add the cheese and seasoning: Stir in the grated Cheddar until melted. Season with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain well.
6. Fry the bacon: In a separate pan, fry the bacon lardons until crispy.
7. Combine everything: Stir the bacon into the cheese sauce, then fold in the cooked macaroni.
8. Prepare to bake: Pour the mixture into a buttered ovenproof dish. Preheat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C).
9. Add the topping: Mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.
10. Bake the dish: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
• How to get a crispy topping: Use fresh breadcrumbs and broil for the last few minutes if needed.
• What cheese works best? Mature Cheddar is key, but you can add Gruyère or Red Leicester for variety.
• Can I use pancetta instead of bacon lardons? Absolutely. Pancetta works well as a substitute.
• Why is my cheese sauce grainy? Overheating can cause the cheese to separate. Stir it in off the heat.

What To Serve With Macaroni Cheese

This creamy bacon mac and cheese pairs well with lighter sides:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Coleslaw with a tangy dressing

How To Store Macaroni Cheese

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat until piping hot.

Macaroni Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 750 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 780mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, but the sauce may be less creamy. Whole milk gives the best texture.

How to reheat macaroni cheese without drying it out?
Add a splash of milk before reheating and cover with foil in the oven.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Try stirring in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s kid-friendly, but you can skip the mustard or reduce the nutmeg if desired.

Why add mustard to mac and cheese?
Mustard enhances the flavor of the cheese without making the dish taste mustardy.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Sausage Rolls​ Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Dumplings Casserole ​Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole​ Recipe