Avocado and Bacon Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Creamy, indulgent mac and cheese featuring smoky bacon and fresh avocado for a decadent yet vibrant comfort dish.
# What You 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 Make It:
01 - Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
03 - Melt butter with reserved bacon fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute to form a smooth paste.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk until fully incorporated. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted and sauce is velvety smooth.
06 - Add cooked macaroni and half the bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
07 - Gently fold in diced avocado and lemon juice, being careful not to mash the avocado.
08 - Serve immediately topped with remaining crispy bacon and fresh chives if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The smoky bacon cuts through the rich cheese sauce perfectly, while fresh avocado adds this incredible creamy contrast that somehow works.
- It comes together in about 40 minutes but tastes like something you would order at a fancy gastropub.
- The lemon juice keeps the avocado bright and adds just enough acidity to balance all that richness.
02 -
- The avocado really needs to be folded in gently at the very end. If you add it too early, it will turn brown and the texture becomes sad and mushy.
- That reserved tablespoon of bacon fat is the hidden star of this recipe. Do not discard it unless you need this dish to be vegetarian.
03 -
- Smoked cheddar instead of regular cheddar takes this to another level of flavor. I make this variation whenever I want to impress guests.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce adds subtle warmth that makes the other flavors pop without making it spicy.