Bacon Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Place the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat. Cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.

Step 2

Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan; discard the rest of the fat.

Step 3

Add the flour, then whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just thickened.

Step 5

Add the milk and whisk until combined.

Step 6

Stir in the pasta, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is done.

Step 8

Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth.  If you need to thin the sauce, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9

Stir in half of the bacon.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top, along with the parsley. Serve immediately.