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Crispy Cast Iron Loaded Mac and Cheese Skillet

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A rich and comforting mac and cheese recipe cooked in a cast iron skillet to achieve a golden, crispy crust with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 grams)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to toast breadcrumbs if using)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of bacon in your cast iron skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. Chop the bacon once cooled.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups warm whole milk. Keep whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni, chopped bacon, and 2 sliced green onions to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  7. Pour the mac and cheese mixture back into the cast iron skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Spread evenly.
  8. If desired, toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle over the top.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place skillet on the middle rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  10. For extra crispy crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven. Reserve some bacon fat in the skillet for flavor and crust formation. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps. Broil carefully to avoid burning the crust. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, cast iron skillet, comfort food, crispy crust, bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-cast-iron-loaded-mac-and-cheese-skillet-easy-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/