Description
Get ready to indulge in a delightful twist on the classic comfort food favorite – mac and cheese! Welcome to the ultimate BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups, a delectable dish that combines the rich, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue and the savory crunch of bacon. These individual mac and cheese cups are perfect for everything from family dinners to potlucks and parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed potato chips (for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, and BBQ sauce. Mix until well incorporated.
- Grease a muffin tin and spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each cup, filling them to the top.
- Sprinkle the crushed potato chips over the top of each cup, pressing them gently to adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cups are golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile; feel free to experiment with different cheeses and BBQ sauces.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg