Today, we’re diving into the irresistible world of Bourbon Mac & Cheese. Get ready for a bold and flavorful twist on a comfort food classic, where the deep richness of bourbon elevates this childhood favorite to a whole new level.

When we think of Mac & Cheese, we usually picture a nostalgic, comforting dish from our younger years. But this time, we’re giving it a bold makeover—infused with elegance and depth, thanks to a splash of bourbon.

This Bourbon Mac & Cheese is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner with friends or to impress your guests at a special gathering. The bourbon adds a warm, refined touch that perfectly balances the creamy richness of the cheese.

⏱️ Prep & Cooking Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total cooking time: 30 minutes (pasta, bacon, sauce, and BBQ)
Total: ±45 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup bourbon
500 g macaroni
1 ½ cups grated cheddar
2 cups grated gouda
3 cups whole milk
Salt and pepper
400 g diced bacon
2 tablespoons flour
1 chopped onion
A few sprigs of thyme

Instructions

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water. They should be al dente, not overcooked. Drain and let cool.
Light your BBQ using a full chimney of briquettes.
Once the BBQ is hot, cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet. When crispy, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels. Do not discard the fat—we’ll cook the onions in it right away.
Sauté the onions in the bacon fat for a few minutes. Add and mix in the flour. Stir for 2–3 minutes, then pour in the bourbon.
Gradually add the milk, 1 tablespoon of thyme, the grated gouda, ⅔ of the cheddar, and ¾ of the bacon. Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking.
Add the macaroni and mix well.
Top with the remaining cheddar and bacon.
Throw a chunk of wood or a handful of chips onto the coals and close the lid for 10 minutes.
Time to dig in!

Presentation & Pairings

Serve straight from the cast-iron skillet at the center of the table. Great with homemade pickles, tangy coleslaw, or slices of smoked brisket for a full feast. Also perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving or any fall BBQ.

Dietary Variations

Swap the bacon for smoked mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Use full-fat oat milk and a blend of meltable plant-based cheeses for a vegan option.
Add a spoonful of mustard or chipotle chili to spice up the sauce.

🍽️ Nutritional Values (per serving)

Energy	710 kcal
Fat	42 g
saturated fat	22 g
omega-3s	0.4 g
Carbohydrates	52 g
sugars	7 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Protein	29 g
Cholesterol	90 mg
Sodium	2.3 g
Calcium	480 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 µg

*DV = Daily Values based on a 2,000 kcal diet

🧬 Health Profile – Cancer + Diabetes

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🥗 Is this recipe healthy?

This Bourbon Mac & Cheese is a very rich dish, both in fats and calories. It remains an indulgent recipe, best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced meal. However, its slow cooking method, the absence of deep-frying, and the fact that it’s homemade allow for better control over its ingredients.

🧬 Click to expand

🔬 Cancer: Benefits or Risks?
This dish contains dairy products, bacon, and bourbon (which evaporates during cooking). Melted cheese at high temperatures can produce Maillard compounds that may be pro-inflammatory. If the bacon is smoked or contains nitrites, it should be limited. However, by using artisanal nitrite-free bacon or a plant-based alternative, the risk is significantly reduced. The BBQ cooking method used here is gentle and short, with the lid closed, which limits PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) formation.

🩺 Diabetes: Effects on Blood Sugar
Macaroni is rich in carbohydrates with a moderate glycemic index. When combined with fats and proteins, the rise in blood sugar is slower, but the dish remains dense. It’s best to keep portions small and serve it with raw vegetables or a fiber-rich side.

🧠 Health Summary
A festive and flavorful dish best saved for special occasions. It can be made more nutritious by adjusting the cheese type, reducing the bacon, or modifying the sides. In its original form, it’s a delicious energy bomb that should be balanced throughout the day.

✅ Health Tip
Add green vegetables on the side (like steamed green beans or broccoli) or lighten the dish by reducing the cheese by 20%.