This Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese recipe is a fun twist on this classic homemade family favorite. Smoky bacon and zesty ranch seasoning combine in a creamy cheese sauce on the stove and as finished in the oven- this is a fantastic game day option, but easy enough to enjoy on a busy weeknight.
1 ½cupselbow macaronicooked as per package directions to al dente and drained
¼cuppanko bread crumbs
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium size pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk to make a roux.
Let the roux cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking often.
Add milk and ranch seasoning.
Whisk the ingredients continuously until it thickens slightly, around 10 minutes.
Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and whisk until fully combined.
Add the cheese mixture to the macaroni and crumble 6 pieces of the bacon in.
Stir until well combined and pour into a 9" x 9" pan.
Top with remaining cheese, panko bread crumbs and crumble on the remaining bacon.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is crispy and the edges are bubbling.
Serve immediately.
Notes
When making the cheese sauce, do not raise the heat above medium and make sure you stir frequently to prevent scalding the milk.
It will look like you have too much sauce before you bake it. Don't be alarmed; while it bakes, the pasta will absorb some of the sauce without drying out.
This recipe is written to give you a crispy crust on top. If you're looking for a more melty topping, wait to add the toppings until 5 minutes before the end of the baking time.