The Ultimate Comfort Food: Mac & Cheese with Crispy Mushroom Bacon

Mac and Cheese with Crispy Mushroom “Bacon”

Creamy, cheesy, and finished with a deeply caramelized mushroom crumble, this mac and cheese delivers plenty of savory flavor and a satisfying, bacon-like crunch.

Servings: 4–6

Mac and Cheese

• 14 ounces macaroni or pasta of choice
• 3½ tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 3¼ cups whole milk
• ⅔ cup heavy cream, optional
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan
• Small pinch of paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Molly’s Garlic Seasoning, to taste

Crispy Mushroom “Bacon”

• Porcini, king trumpet, and shiitake mushrooms from Ferg’s Fabulous Fungi, finely diced
• 5 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
• 4 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make the mushroom “bacon”

1. Finely dice the mushrooms into small, evenly sized pieces. Finely chop the rosemary and sage.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add the garlic, herbs, and mushrooms. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are deeply caramelized, firm, and nearly crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Make the mac and cheese

1. Cook the pasta in generously salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and cook for about one minute.
3. Add the flour and stir until completely incorporated. Cook until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and optional cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, Parmesan, and paprika. Stir until the cheese has completely melted.
6. Fold in the cooked pasta. Season with salt, black pepper, and Molly’s Garlic Seasoning to taste.
7. Sprinkle additional cheese over the top. Broil on high for several minutes, watching closely, until golden and bubbling.
8. Finish with the crispy mushroom “bacon” and serve warm.