Macaroni and cheese, apples, and bacon

Portions:

Preparation:

15 minutes

Cooking:

20 minutes

Ultra-comforting and deliciously decadent, this mac 'n' cheese with apples and bacon revisits a classic dish with an irresistible sweet and savory twist. The melt-in-your-mouth cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet Quebec apples create the perfect balance between indulgence and originality. A dish that everyone will love, ideal for a no-fuss dinner, a family meal, or a treat on cold evenings.

Ingredients

454 g of macaroni

2 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 cups of milk

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

3 cups yellow cheddar cheese, grated

2 Spartan apples, julienned*

4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 tbsp chopped chives

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat, add milk, and whisk well until smooth.
Return the pan to medium heat, add the onion powder and Dijon mustard, and whisk well until the mixture becomes smooth. Reduce the heat to low.
Add the cheese in 2 or 3 stages, stirring each time to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly. The cheese sauce is ready when it reaches a creamy consistency. If necessary, add a little milk if the sauce is too thick.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
Garnish with julienned apples, crumbled bacon, and chives.

Tips and tricks

Choose firm apples such as Spartan,Empire, or Honeycrisp. They will retain their texture and add a sweetness that contrasts with the cheese and bacon.
For crisp apple julienne strips that won't brown, soak them in ice water with lemon juice for 10 minutes.
Combine a cheese that melts well (cheddar, mozzarella) with a more flavorful cheese for a creamy, tasty sauce.
Cook the bacon until golden brown, then drain it before adding it to the dish to avoid excess fat.
A pinch of pepper, mustard, or a hint of thyme or fresh chives helps balance the richness of the dish.