If you’re craving comfort food but can’t decide between nachos or mac ‘n’ cheese, why not have both? Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Nachos are the ultimate indulgence, combining two fan-favorite dishes into one mouthwatering creation. This dish is all about layers—cheesy, gooey macaroni and cheese meet the satisfying crunch of nachos, all tied together by the smoky goodness of crispy bacon. Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a casual family dinner, or just looking for a creative snack, this recipe has you covered. It’s easy to make and totally customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or mix in different types of cheese. Plus, it’s a surefire hit for kids and adults alike. Once you’ve tried this decadent dish, it might just become your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Directions:
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with paprika, pepper, and salt to taste.
- Prepare Bacon: While the cheese sauce is coming together, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, crumble and set aside.
- Layer Nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Spoon mac ‘n’ cheese over the chips, ensuring an even distribution.
- Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top, followed by extra cheese if desired.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the nachos for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream and green onions. Serve immediately!
How to Prepare:
To prepare this dish, start by cooking the macaroni and bacon simultaneously to save time. While the pasta boils, cook the bacon until crispy. Once the macaroni is drained, set it aside while preparing the cheese sauce by melting your chosen cheeses with milk. Next, layer the tortilla chips on a baking sheet, spread the mac ‘n’ cheese on top, and finish with the crumbled bacon. Bake the nachos until the cheese melts and begins to bubble, then garnish with sour cream and green onions.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
Serves 4-6 people
FAQs:
- Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a different flavor profile. - Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! You can add jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, or even pulled pork for extra flavor. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the mac ‘n’ cheese ahead, but it’s best to assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to ensure the chips stay crispy. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian version. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, but note the chips may lose some crispiness.
Conclusion:
Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Nachos is a fusion dish that brings the best of both worlds—rich, creamy macaroni and cheese combined with the irresistible crunch of nachos. This recipe is not only indulgent and comforting but also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. The smoky bacon adds a layer of savory goodness, while the gooey cheese sauce ties everything together. Whether you’re a fan of nachos, mac ‘n’ cheese, or both, this dish will satisfy all your cravings. So, grab a plate and dig in—this is comfort food at its finest!
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Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Description
Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Nachos combines two ultimate comfort foods into one indulgent dish. Crispy tortilla chips topped with creamy mac ‘n’ cheese and crispy bacon create the perfect snack or meal. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted. Add paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Cook Bacon: While the cheese sauce is cooking, fry the bacon until crispy. Once done, crumble it and set aside.
- Assemble Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Spoon mac ‘n’ cheese over the chips, then sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake nachos for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with sour cream and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives.
- Add toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor.
- Make the mac ‘n’ cheese ahead of time, but assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to keep the chips crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Nachos, Comfort Food, Cheesy Nachos