Avocado and Bacon Mac and Cheese (Printable)

Creamy, cheesy pasta topped with crispy bacon and buttery avocado for a rich, indulgent twist on classic comfort food.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

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 the chopped bacon until crispy, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat for the sauce.
03 - In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in the milk until fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
05 - Stir in the sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until all cheese has melted and the sauce achieves a smooth consistency.
06 - Add the cooked macaroni and half of the crispy bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
07 - Gently fold in the diced avocado and fresh lemon juice, taking care not to mash the avocado pieces.
08 - Serve immediately while hot, topped with the remaining bacon and fresh chives as a garnish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy avocado cuts through all that rich cheese sauce in the most unexpected way
  • Bacon fat in the roux is the kind of genius move your future self will thank you for
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen
02 -
  • The avocado goes in last or it will turn your whole dish brown and nobody needs that sadness
  • Work quickly once everything is combined because avocados do not love hanging out in hot sauce
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese because the pre shredded stuff has anti caking agents that make sauce grainy
  • Room temperature ingredients incorporate better so take everything out about 20 minutes before you start

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