Bacon Crusted Mac & Cheese Lava Cakes

You had me at bacon crusted. These Bacon Crusted Mac & Cheese Lava Cakes are more than delicious, they are heaven. You get Macaroni and Cheese piled into a volcano, coated with bacon and breadcrumbs and then baked into a fabulous creation.

Ingredients:

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Bacon Crust:

• 8-10 strips of bacon, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

For the “Lava” Filling:

• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mac & Cheese:
   • Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
   • Slowly whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
   • Add in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Bacon Crust:
   • In a bowl, combine finely chopped bacon and breadcrumbs. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Lava Cakes:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease 4-6 ramekins or muffin tin slots.
   • Press a layer of the bacon-breadcrumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each ramekin or muffin slot to form a crust.
   • Fill each bacon crust with a portion of the mac & cheese, leaving a small well in the center.
   • In the well, add a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream. This will create the “lava” center.
   • Top with more mac & cheese, ensuring the “lava” mixture is completely enclosed.
   • Finish by pressing some more of the bacon-breadcrumb mixture on top.
4. Bake:
   • Place the ramekins or muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon crust is crispy and golden.
5. Serve:
   • Allow the lava cakes to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the ramekins or muffin tin.
   • Place each lava cake on a plate. When cut open, the gooey cheese “lava” should flow out.
   • Serve immediately.