Bacon Mac 'n Cheese Pie

Hello foodies and friends! Today we've got a yummy treat for all you bacon and mac and cheese lovers out there. This little treat is the epitome of delicious food. I'm a mac and cheese addict. I can't get enough of those little blue boxes with the processed cheese. I know, I know... I'm going against everything that I've talked about, processed food wise. Mac and cheese is my deal breaker. I will consume as much of it as I can. I don't know why.

This recipe also has a wonderful lattice of bacon on top. Man food? Yes. Bacon lover recipe? Yuppers. Mac and cheese addicts unite? Ooooh yea. Seriously, this meal is perfect. It takes a little bit of prep, but it'll be worth it when your family steals away every single piece. Well, I'm going to make my way into the kitchen, so I'll see you all there!

Bacon Mac 'n Cheese Pie

Makes 1 (9") deep pie or 1 (10") regular pie

For the pastry, you will need:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
• 2/3 cup butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 Tbsp tabasco sauce
• 5 Tbsp ice water

For the filling and topping, you will need:

• mac n'cheese (you can use boxed, or your own recipe if you'd like)
• seven deep-fried mac'n'cheese balls
• bacon

Ready?

1. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the grated cheddar cheese and cold butter into the flour until the size of small peas.
3. Gradually add the tabasco sauce and the ice water one tablespoon at a time until, when you press the dough between your fingers, it holds together. Do not overmix!
4. Wrap the dough in parchment paper or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator roll it out, about 1/8" thick. 
7. Place the dough into the pie plate and crimp the edge. Using a fork, pierce the bottom of the crust several times.
8. If the dough has become soft from rolling, place the prepared pie plate in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes.
9. Line the inside of the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dry beans.
10. Bake for 15-17 minutes, then remove from oven. 
11. Remove the beans and parchment paper and line the edge of the pie crust with foil. 
12. Return to the oven for 5-7 more minutes until the crust is golden. 
13. Remove. 
14. Keep the oven on.
15. Spread a layer of mac'n'cheese at the bottom of the pie. 
16. Top with the seven deep-fried mac'n'cheese balls and fill the pie with the remaining mac'n'cheese.
17. Create a lattice top with bacon, making sure to cut the bacon strips long, since they will shrink in the oven.
18. Return to the 425 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes until the bacon is cooked. 
19. Remove.
20. Serve with hot sauce and maple syrup.

Thanks for joining me today! Stay tuned tomorrow because we will have a kid-approved snack that any Dr. Seuss lover will enjoy. It'll have the little ones smiling (due to the sugar content), and it'll have you adults wishing for fruits and vegetables. Once again, that too will be worth it when your kid's eyes light up brightly. Anyway, have a great afternoon and I'll catch you on the flip side! Happy blogging to all!