This is a sponsored post in collaboration with the National Pork Board. All photos, content, and thoughts are my own! Here’s how to make Bacon Mac & Cheese and how to cook the perfect bacon every time.What day is it? We’ve all been asking ourselves this as our schedules and lifestyles have been turned upside down recently. It feels a lot like “Blursday”, in which every day feels like the last! The National Pork Board wants to give you a pick me up in the form of BACON! Who doesn’t love bacon?!
National Pork Board
Over the next few weeks, the National Pork Board will be looking at public profiles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to find people who need a Blursday made better. Up to 1,000 people will be selected to receive a package of pre-cooked bacon to boost their spirits during this difficult time! All you need to do is tag National Pork Board and include #baconforblursday. I received mine the other day! Woo hoo!
I use bacon to make dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And my daughter just informed me she wants to try to make maple bacon cupcakes. Truly a versatile food!
I was inspired to make a new recipe that included bacon. After researching several recipe options from the National Pork Board, I decided to try Bacon Pesto Mac & Cheese. I think throwing bacon in any dish takes it up a notch! At the end of the recipe, I’ll show you how to cook up the perfect bacon in the oven!
This recipe is decadent and flavorful with the addition of bacon and pesto. It’s also kid approved and it makes a ton! It requires very few ingredients too. Homemade mac & cheese is just so good! I used raw bacon cooked in the oven for my recipe, but you could also easily substitute this pre-cooked bacon. Such a time saver!
Bacon Pesto Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. bacon (raw or pre-cooked)
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups whole milk (I used 2 cups 2% milk and 1 cup half & half)
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces pesto (I only used about 3 ounces since my family doesn’t love the overpowering taste)
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package and drain.
- Prep bacon and chop (see below for how to cook the perfect bacon),
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in milk and cook for another few minutes. Once the mixture has gotten thicker, turn heat to low and stir in cheeses.
- Add the pasta and pesto and bacon. Be sure to reserve some of the bacon to crumble on top before serving!
*Mine got a little thick, so I continued to add milk until it was the consistency I wanted. This recipe is so EASY and packed with flavor!
I used raw bacon cooked in the oven for my recipe. We all know that cooking bacon on the stovetop can create a hazy fog in your home and a smell that doesn’t seem to go away. I learned how to make the perfect bacon in the oven!
How to Cook the Perfect Bacon Every Time
Simply preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with a non-stick cooking spray. Line your bacon on the foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until your bacon is cooked to the consistency you like! We like ours a little crispy! Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra grease. No bacon haze in your home!
You can find so many recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and happy hour that include bacon by clicking here! Also, as a part of this “Blursday” campaign, #BaconforBlursday t-shirts are being sold at Bozz Prints. A portion of the proceeds from shirts sold will benefit the National Restaurant Associations’s Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. Love this so much!
I hope you’re inspired to improve your Blursday blahs with bacon! Will you make this Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe?? You can follow the National Pork Board on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for more inspiration!
