Rachael Ray: Grant’s Apple Bacon Cheddar Mac Recipe

Rachael Ray: Grant’s Apple Bacon Cheddar Mac

It’s hard to imagine a more popular comfort food than macaroni and cheese. Okay wait, maybe it’s not as hard as I thought, thanks to Grant’s special appearance on The Rachael Ray Show. After having watched the segment, I think I can confidently say the only comfort food better than macaroni and cheese, is macaroni and cheese with bacon! Grant’s Apple Bacon Cheddar Mac just may be the most delicious meal you’ll ever have the chance to devour! Fortunately, you can prepare the delicious dish yourself at home. Or, go ahead and print off the recipe we have for you on the next page, and hand it to your significant other. Tell them you deserve it, because, come on, you totally do!

Rachael Ray: Grant’s Apple Bacon Cheddar Mac Recipe Ingredients

• 8 oz bacon – chopped
• 2 pink lady apples – peeled, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp grainy Dijon mustard
• 1 C smoked cheddar cheese
• 1 lb shell pasta
• 4 C cheese sauce
• few sprigs thyme – chopped
• 1 C store-bought fried onions

Rachael Ray: Grant’s Apple Bacon Cheddar Mac Recipe Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt the water liberally
3. Cook the pasta two minutes short of al dente
4. Drain the pasta, then add back to the pot and save
5. Put the bacon into a cold, large skillet over medium-high heat
6. Let the bacon fat slowly render as the pan heats up
7. Stir occasionally to allow the bacon to cook evenly
8. When the bacon is crispy, turn the heat to high and add the apples
9. Saute the apples for 2-3 minutes, then add the Dijon and thyme
10. Remove from the heat and add the apples, bacon, and cheese sauce to the pot with the pasta
11. Toss until combined, then put into a large casserole dish
12. Top with the smoked cheddar cheese and fried onions
13. Bake for 20 minutes until brown and bubbly
14. Garnish with chives and serve