Avocado Bacon Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Creamy, smoky, and fresh—this mac and cheese combines crispy bacon, velvety cheese sauce, and ripe avocado for the ultimate comfort food.
# 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 Steps:
01 - Prepare 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. 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. Whisk in flour and cook constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
05 - Add cooked macaroni and half the bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
06 - Gently fold in diced avocado and lemon juice just before serving.
07 - Plate immediately, topping with remaining bacon and fresh chives if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy sauce gets this incredible depth from that reserved bacon fat, like a secret weapon nobody suspects until they taste it
- Fresh avocado cuts through all that richness with cool, buttery contrast, making each bite feel balanced instead of overwhelming
02 -
- The avocado will melt slightly into the hot pasta, and that is completely normal, but do not overmix or you will end up with green sauce instead of distinct chunks
- Work quickly once the avocado hits the pan, because it loses that fresh contrast if it sits too long in the heat
03 -
- Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top before serving and run it under the broiler for two minutes to create this incredible crispy cheese crust
- Smoked paprika added to the sauce gives this subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the bacon