Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon | FUELING A SOUTHERN SOUL

Описание: Get ready to whip up some stovetop mac and cheese, y'all! This creamy, cheesy delight is made right on the stove in a big ol' pot, and it's ready in just 30 minutes. Toss in crispy bacon bits, and you've got yourself a Southern classic that'll make everyone go weak in the knees. It's comfort food at its finest - rich, gooey, and just waiting to be devoured! Serves 8-10

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Ingredients:
1 Pound Pasta
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Flour
2 ½ Cups Whole Milk
2 Cups Mild Cheddar - shredded
¼ Teaspoon Salt + more to taste if needed
½ Teaspoon Pepper
½ Pound Bacon (or 6 slices) - cooked and cut into bits

Directions:
Bacon Prep - start this and get going before the pasta so that it can be going at the same time and finished when needed

In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
Pasta Prep

Fill a large pot with water and a generous amount of salt (2 big pinches). Bring to a boil. Add noodles once at a boil and cook according to package directions - just to al dente. Drain once finished and keep to the side until needed.
Shred the cheddar cheese while the noodles are cooking.
Once the noodles are drained, use the same large pot, and add 1 tablespoon of butter and flour on medium heat. Whisk together as the butter starts to melt and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add ½ cup of the milk while whisking vigorously. The mixture will start to become thick very quickly. It is important to not stop whisking. You want to get all of the clumps of flour out for this to become a smooth, creamy, and thick mixture.
Add the rest of the milk, repeating the same whisking process as above - making sure no lumps are present. The milk will start to thicken after a couple of minutes.
Once all the liquid has been added, add in your cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to slowly melt the cheese completely.
Once the cheese is melted, add in your cooked noodles and bacon bits. Stir together. Taste to see if any more salt and pepper is needed.
Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
add more milk if you like the sauce more "saucey" or it has sat for a while