Name: Bacon and Onion Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups macaroni; 6 slices bacon (diced); 1/2 yellow onion (finely diced); 4 cups full-fat milk; 2 tablespoons cornstarch ((cornflour)); 18 ounces shredded smoked cheddar cheese

Nothing is worse than a boring mac and cheese. The simple addition of bacon and onions creates a rich flavor that will have kids and adults coming back for more.

First developed for a mac and cheese competition (second place) it has been a family favorite ever since. This dish is classic comfort food, with a smoky twist and a super-easy cheese sauce.

There are lots of variations you can try with the cheese combinations for this. Personally, we always use a self-made hot-smoked homemade cheese but sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella also create great results.

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Bacon and onion mac and cheese simmering in a pan over a camp gas stove.

This bacon and onion mac and cheese can be made just as easily over a gas stove as it can in a Dutch oven over the fire.

Close up of Mac and Cheese served on a blue camp plate.

The bacon, onions, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce combine to create this tasty dish.

Aerial view of bacon and onion mac and cheese on a blue plate with a green spoon ready to be eaten.

Bacon and Onion Mac and Cheese is ready to be enjoyed while camping as a main dish.

Bacon and Onion Mac and Cheese served on a blue camping plate with a green spoon and ready to eat.

Bacon and Onion Mac and Cheese is so good it can be served as a main, but also makes a great side dish.

Bacon and Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

Saffron Hodgson

reviews

Nothing is worse than a boring mac and cheese. The simple addition of bacon and onions create a rich flavor that will have kids and adults coming back for more.

Print Review

Preparation 15

Cook 25

Ready in 40

Servings Servings

CourseLunch

InfluenceGlobal

DifficultySeasoned

MethodSimmer

Print Review

Ingredients

2 cups macaroni
6 slices bacon diced
1/2 yellow onion finely diced
4 cups full-fat milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour)
18 ounces shredded smoked cheddar cheese

Equipment

pot
10 inch Dutch oven

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente. Drain and put aside.
In a 10-inch Dutch oven over medium heat slowly cook the diced bacon. When the fat starts to render add the finely diced onions.
Tip about a ½ cup of milk into a cup. Add the remaining milk to the Dutch oven with the bacon and onions, then heat until almost boiling.
While the milk is heating whisk the cornstarch into the ½ cup of milk.
When the milk is almost boiling add the cornstarch slurry and stir until it starts boiling, this will thicken the milk making a white sauce.
Add the grated smoked cheese and stir into the white sauce while it is simmering until all the cheese has melted, creating a bechamel sauce.
Stir through the cooked macaroni and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 1020kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 49gFat: 65gSaturated Fat: 34gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 179mgSodium: 1150mgPotassium: 667mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1686IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1218mgIron: 1mg