When the chill of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like the soul-warming embrace of a bowl of macaroni and cheese. Imagine this—silky, cheesy spirals mingling with the smoky allure of bacon, all brought to an ethereal level by a drizzle of truffle oil. It’s like comfort food met luxury in a dimly lit, jazz-filled speakeasy, and they decided to tango.
Steps
- Cook the bacon in a hot skillet until crispy, then remove and crumble once cooled. Reserve the bacon grease.
- Use one tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease to cook the onions over medium-high heat until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, an egg, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, mix it immediately with the evaporated milk mixture, cooking over medium-high heat until the sauce simmers, about 5-8 minutes.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan until they melt completely. Mix in the truffle oil and half of the crumbled bacon.
- Serve the mac and cheese right away, garnished with the remaining bacon and extra Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 8 strips bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-ounce) can 2% evaporated milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces freshly-grated sharp or smoked white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tablespoons truffle oil
FAQ
- What is the best type of cheese to use in this recipe?
- The recipe recommends using freshly-grated sharp or smoked white cheddar cheese for optimal flavor. It’s important to avoid pre-shredded cheese to ensure a smooth melt and richer taste.
- Can I bake this macaroni and cheese instead of making it on the stovetop?
- Yes, you can turn this into a baked version. Simply sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking to add an extra layer of deliciousness and texture.
- What makes Dreamfields Pasta different from regular pasta?
- Dreamfields Pasta offers the same flavor and texture as traditional pasta but with fewer digestible carbs and a high fiber content similar to whole-wheat pasta. It can also help in managing blood sugar levels.
- How do I properly incorporate truffle oil into the dish?
- After cooking the pasta and mixing in the cheese, gently stir in the truffle oil along with half of the crumbled bacon. This will allow the flavors to blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
- Can I substitute any ingredients if I don’t have truffle oil or bacon?
- If truffle oil or bacon isn’t available, you can experiment with other ingredients that provide similar flavors, like using a different type of oil with a rich flavor or opting for turkey bacon or pancetta as alternatives.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy and use the reserved bacon grease for sautéing the onions and garlic. This will infuse more of that smoky bacon taste into your dish.
- For the creamiest mac and cheese, always use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and evenly, creating a better sauce consistency.
- If you prefer a baked version, try sprinkling some breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese before baking it. This will add a delicious crunchy texture to the creamy dish.
- When incorporating the truffle oil, do so gently and at the end of the cooking process to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma.
Equipment
- Truffle Oil – Although not equipment, it is a specialized ingredient that some people might need to purchase online.
- Large Skillet – A good quality large skillet is essential for cooking the bacon and sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Whisk – Useful for whisking together the evaporated milk, egg, and spices.
- Grater – Necessary for grating the sharp or smoked white cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
