If you are from the southern United States, you know how food is part of the culture of who we are! While I was raised in Colorado I moved to the south in college and have been here for the last 20 years – so I call myself a southerner. For any of you who love your macaroni and cheese, why not try this version with smoked bacon? There are so many recipes for macaroni and cheese, but I think you will really love this one.

Southern Style Smoked Bacon Macaroni & Cheese

Image via: Southern Living 

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Ingredients:

8 ounces elbow macaroni, about 2 cups dry
3 tablespoons butter
4 green onions, thinly sliced
dash garlic powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 slices bacon, cooked, drained, crumbled
2 cups (8 ounces) sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Image via: Jason and Schwanda via Flickr

Preparation:

1. Cook macaroni following package directions. Drain in a colander, rinse with hot water, and set aside.
Heat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the green onions and garlic powder. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add the flour and stir until well blended and smooth.

3. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Stir in salt and pepper, to taste. Remove 1/2 cup of the cheese and set aside. Stir the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese into the sauce and continue cooking until cheese is melted.

4. Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni and spoon into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bacon evenly over the casserole and top with the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese.

5. Toss bread crumbs with 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbly.

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