Bacon Jam Mac and Cheese Recipe

Bacon jam is the trendiest condiment on the market right now. It appears everywhere, from the local burger joint to five-star restaurants to the most popular items at neighborhood barbecues. This versatile jam turns tired old recipes into mouth-watering sensations with its crispy, savory smokiness.

Bacon jam is a welcome addition to countless dishes for all occasions - breakfast, lunch, dinner, party hors d'oeuvres, sleepover snacks. Pairing it with tried-and-true family favorites is always a winning combination.

That’s why you’ll want to give this Bacon Jam Mac and Cheese a try. Bacon jam makes a delectable addition to this perennial favorite that kids and adults alike will love.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces TBJ Gourmet Classic Uncured Bacon Jam
• 3 cups milk
• ¼ cup butter
• 2.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked
• 2 cups cheese of your choice, shredded (suggested: sharp cheddar, colby-jack, gouda, mozzarella; add cream cheese for extra smooth texture)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of smoked paprika

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place macaroni noodles in boiling, lightly salted water. Allow to boil for 2 minutes less than the package calls for. Reducing the time on boil will keep the macaroni from becoming mushy when baked.

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in the flour a bit at a time to create a roux. Stirring constantly, slowly add the milk. 

Once the roux thickens, stir in the cheeses. Allow to cook until the cheese is melted into the roux, stirring regularly.

When the cheese has melted thoroughly, stir in the bacon jam.

Place the cooked macaroni in a casserole dish. Pour the cheese/bacon jam sauce over the pasta and stir thoroughly.

Add a layer of shredded cheese over the top.

Sprinkle the smoked paprika lightly over the surface.

Bake for thirty minutes.

Process Tips

• Make sure the pasta is slightly undercooked when you remove it from boiling. 
• Use room temperature milk if possible. Warmer liquids thicken faster than cold ones.
• Be creative with the cheeses you use, and include at least three different kinds. Pair classics like cheddar and Colby jack with unusual choices like Brie, Gruyere, and Swiss. 
• A little American cheese will help the other kinds melt together more effectively. Mozzarella serves the same purpose. 
• You can also add flavored cream cheeses, like sour cream and onion, for an extra pop of taste.
• Don’t use pre-shredded cheeses. They may be more convenient, but they include coatings designed to keep them from clumping. Unfortunately, those coatings also keep them from melting correctly.

This macaroni and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit for any venue. Serve it for family dinners, at parties or barbecues, or as a covered dish for a potluck. 

The flavor of bacon jam pairs incredibly well with just about any form of cheese. Adding it to a creamy, flavorful sauce for your macaroni dish is a sure-fire way to please any palate.

Please reach out to us at TBJ Gourmet with any questions about our bacon jam products!