Avocado and Bacon Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Creamy pasta with sharp cheddar sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh diced avocado for a rich 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
# 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 chopped bacon until crispy, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove with a 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 and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk until fully incorporated. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes velvety smooth.
06 - Add cooked macaroni and half the crispy bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly.
07 - Gently fold in diced avocado and lemon juice, taking care not to mash the avocado.
08 - Plate immediately, topping with remaining bacon and fresh chives if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The warm cheese sauce meets cool avocado in a way that feels like discovering a secret flavor combination nobody else knows about
- Bacon and cheese were already best friends, but avocado joins the party and suddenly everyones having more fun
- It takes less than an hour but tastes like something from a restaurant where the chef actually cares about your happiness
02 -
- Avocado turns brown and sad when it meets heat too early, so fold it in right before serving
- The lemon juice is not optional, its what keeps the avocado looking beautiful and fresh
- Leftovers will still taste good but the avocado texture changes, so this is best eaten fresh
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly into the sauce
- Grate your cheese while the pasta cooks, multitasking like a pro