If you’re looking for a more upscale way to serve your favorite, traditional, nostalgic macaroni and cheese, then this Creamy Carbona Mac is the way to go. The blend of melted, rich cheeses covering tender noodles really make for an exciting side dish. Add the addition of perfect peas and beloved bacon give it that grown-up flare. You’re sure to fancy this Creamy Carbonara Mac! It might just be the new way you make your fave!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 heaping cup white cheddar, shredded, plus more, to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan, grated, plus more, to taste
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped, divided
- 2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly grease a 9×12-inch baking dish.
Step 3 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the macaroni to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the water.
Step 4 –In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 5 –Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk it together, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6 –In the slow and steady stream, add the milk to the flour-butter mixture, while whisking, until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and has thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
Step 7 –Season the milk mixture with the salt and the pepper.
Step 8 –Transfer the saucepan from the heat and stir 1 heaping cup of the shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup of the parmesan, a little at a time, until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 9 –Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
Step 10 –Allow the macaroni mixture to cool, about 10 minutes.
Step 11 –Stir the eggs, 6 slices of the chopped bacon, and the peas into the macaroni mixture until it is all fully and evenly incorporated.
Step 12 –Season the macaroni mixture with the salt and the pepper.
Step 13 –Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the extra white cheddar, the extra parmesan, and the remaining chopped bacon.
Step 14 –Bake the macaroni mixture until it is thick, creamy, and lightly browned on top, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 15 –Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and let the macaroni mixture cool, about 10 minutes.
Step 16 –Serve.
