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Smoky Bacon Ranch Mac Pie

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A creamy and dreamy mac and cheese dish with a smoky bacon twist and zesty ranch flavor that brings comfort and joy to every gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 8 strips smoked bacon
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Fry the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Make the cheese sauce by adding butter to the skillet with bacon grease, then stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for about a minute.
  5. Whisk in milk gradually until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add shredded cheese and ranch dressing, and stir in half of the crispy bacon.
  7. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-inch pie dish. Sprinkle remaining bacon on top and cover with bread crumbs.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  10. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed broccoli or a light green salad. Optional to sprinkle fresh herbs for added flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, bacon pie, comfort food, ranch dressing, family dinner

Find it online: https://hearthfulkitchen.com/one-pan-smoky-bacon-ranch-mac-pie/