Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 box corkscrew pasta (cooked according to package directions)
• 0.5 lb bacon (chopped and cooked until crispy)
• 3 tbsp flour (all-purpose)
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
• paprika (for toasting and topping)
• 1 can evaporated milk (standard 12 oz can)
• 2 cup whole milk
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or dijon)
• 1 cup shredded Gouda
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack
• 1 cup shredded cheddar (plus extra for topping)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• buffalo chicken (cooked and shredded or cubed, for topping)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (for healthy ranch)
• 0.5 lemon lemon juice (up to 1 whole lemon)
• water (to thin the ranch)
• dried herbs and spices (dill, parsley, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper)

Steps

1. 1

   Chop the bacon, add it to a large pot, and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

2. 2

   Add the ranch seasoning and paprika to the bacon grease and toast for about 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to make a roux.

4. 4

   Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, whole milk, and heavy cream while stirring.

5. 5

   Add the hot sauce and mustard, then let the sauce thicken.

6. 6

   Turn the heat to low and mix in the Gouda, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar until smooth.

7. 7

   Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the cooked pasta and some of the crispy bacon.

8. 8

   Add half the mac and cheese to a baking dish, layer with extra shredded cheese, then add the rest of the mac and cheese on top.

9. 9

   Top with more cheddar and paprika.

10. 10

    Bake at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes, then broil for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy on top.

11. 11

    While the mac and cheese bakes, prepare the healthy ranch: Mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and water until smooth.

12. 12

    Add the dill, parsley, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the yogurt mixture. Taste and adjust to your liking.

13. 13

    Scoop the mac and cheese into a bowl, top with buffalo chicken, crispy bacon pieces, and a drizzle of the prepared ranch.

Notes

The author notes that this video covers 4 recipes but the description only lists 2 (the Mac & Cheese and the Healthy Ranch). The buffalo chicken can be made using your preferred method or store-bought.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• baked
• comfort food
• pasta
• chicken
• bacon
• ranch