Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

• Meat

  • 10 pieces Bacon

• Condiments

  • 1/2 tsp Mustard, ground dry

• Pasta & Grains

  • 16 oz Shell pasta

• Baking & Spices

  • 2 tbsp Flour
  • 1 oz Ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp White pepper

• Dairy

  • 8 oz American cheese, white slices
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 8 oz Cream cheese
  • 4 oz Mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 8 oz White cheddar cheese, sharp grated
  • 2 cups Whole milk

Found on bigbearswife.com

Description

Ingredients

• 16 ounces shell pasta, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground dry mustard
• 10 -12 pieces bacon
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
• 8 ounces white American cheese slices, cut into small pieces
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and diced
• 8 ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• *fresh parsley optional for garnish*

Directions

• Cook bacon in a medium skillet until crispy, lay on a paper towel to drain.
• Pour out bacon grease.
• Let bacon cool and then chop into bits.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook for 10 minutes.
• Drain and set aside.
• In a the same pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour.
• Whisk flour and butter together for 1-2 minutes.
• Whisk in the ranch seasoning.
• Pour in milk and whisk until smooth.
• Whisk in dry mustard and white pepper.
• Heat milk until hot and then add in cream cheese.
• Whisk until melted and smooth.
• Add in all grated cheese and whisk until melted.
• Mix in the chopped bacon. (reserve some for the top if desired)
• Pour shell pasta into cheese sauce and mix well.
• Stir well and heat for 2-3 minutes.
• *optional - top with freshly chopped parsley and a few bacon bits*
• serve warm