Cheesy Cheez-it Bacon Mac and Cheese
- 1 16 ounce box uncooked shells macaroni (or your pasta of choice)
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers, crushed
- 5 strips bacon (you can use turkey bacon to be healthier)
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Melt butter in saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute or until mixture is smooth.
- Increase heat to medium; gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in cheese, stirring until cheese is melted. Remove pan from heat.
- Stir pasta, and ground black pepper into cheese mixture; spoon into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish (I used a 3-quart casserole dish).
- Crumble up the bacon and spread it evenly over the pasta. Spread crushed Cheez-It crackers on top.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Recipe by Wishes and Dishes at https://wishesndishes.com/cheesy-cheez-it-bacon-mac-cheese/
3.5.3251