Bacon Mac N' Cheese With Ritz Topping

Who doesn't love a yummy Mac N' Cheese plus bacon? Here is a delicious and quick supper idea for you!

Shopping List (Ingredients)

Mac N' Cheese

16 oz of any SHAPED PASTA

4 Tablespoons of BUTTER (I use margarine)

4 Tablespoons ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

3 cups MILK

3 cups of shredded CHEDDAR CHEESE (I like marble)

SALT AND PEPPER (to taste)

Topping

about one sleeve of crushed RITZ CRACKERS

8 slices of cooked and crumbled BACON (perfect from a left over breakfast)

1 Tablespoon of finely chopped PARSLEY

Note: if your not a fan of Ritz Crackers you can substitute with Panko Bread Crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter (I use olive oil spray, little steps to being healthier) a 9x13 inch casserole dish.

2. Boil water and add pasta. Cook pasta al dente, according to box instructions (if box does not specify then 1-2 minutes shorter then cook time). Drain cooked pasta and set a side.

3. To save time you can do this step while pasta is cooking. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Once melted whisk in flour and cook until the flour starts to turn golden. Still whisking, pour in milk and allow to simmer.

4.Once sauce comes to a simmer, stir in the cheese a little bit at a time. Once all melted stir in salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add in the cooked (and drained) pasta to the sauce. Add your crumbled bacon. Stir with spoon until completely combined. Pour into greased casserole dish.

6. Topping: In a freezer bag add in your Ritz crackers and parsley. (My mom uses a rolling pin, I smash) Smash Ritz and parsley mixture until finely crumbled. Shake bag to evenly coat the crackers in the parsley.

7. Sprinkle your topping evenly over the Mac N' Cheese.

8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until topping is nicely browned. Make sure to let sit for 10 minutes before enjoying!

Enjoy!

Tasha ❤