Oven-Baked Meaty Mac & Cheese
This hearty dish has a 5 cheese blend, loaded with bacon and ham for the ultimate in cheesy deliciousness! Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food loved by both children and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 10 slices cooked crispy bacon, chopped or 4 ounces precooked real bacon pieces
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 8 ounce package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – for topping (2 cups)
- 1 8 ounce package mild cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
- 1 8 ounce package Colby Jack cheese, shredded (2 cups)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.In a large nonstick skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until it starts to turn golden. OR use pre-packaged.Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When butter is melted, add chicken stock, mustard, garlic, 1/2 Italian seasoning, salt, pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.Add milk, cook for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in flour and cook until your sauce is smooth.Add the parmesan, mild cheddar, and Colby jack cheeses to the sauce. Stir and allow to cook for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted.Next, add pasta, ham, and bacon to the sauce and stir until coated. Coat the bottom of the pan with olive oil. Pour macaroni into a large 9x13 inch baking dish.Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese and 1 tsp Italian seasoning over macaroni. Cook at 400°F. for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.Top with addtional bacon or parmesan cheese.