Skillet Apple Bacon Mac and Cheese
Savor the flavors of Michigan with our Skillet Apple Bacon Mac and Cheese, a delectable blend of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet Michigan Apples in every bite.
Recommended Apple Variety:
Gala, EverCrisp®, Honeycrisp
Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 Gala apples or Michigan Apple variety of your choice, cored and chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cups small shell pasta
- 3-1/2 cups whole milk, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-1/2 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
Serving Size:
- 4 servings
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 28 minutes
Directions:
- Add bacon to a large cast iron or other high-sided skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp, stirring frequently. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to the plate.
- Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet. Add apples and thyme to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and transfer apples to plate with bacon.
- Add pasta, 2 cups milk, salt and pepper to skillet. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 4 minutes or until milk is reduced to a thick sauce, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the remaining 1-1/2 cups milk and cook 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente and milk has reduced by half, stirring frequently.
- Turn off the heat. Add cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Top with reserved bacon and apples and serve immediately.