Sci-Fi Bacon Mac-and-Cheese


Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Disney's Hollywood Studios.  It's an immersive experience where guests sit in 50's style "cars" while watching trailers and segments from old monster and sci-fi movies from the 40's, 50's, and 60's.  "The Blob," "The Attack of the 50 Foot Woman." It's all there!  For themeing alone, Sci-Fi is one of my favorite places to eat.

Over the years, it's gone through quite an extensive menu overhaul, shifting from burger joint style food to TV dinner style meals of meatloaf and mac-and-cheese, back to burger joint...  And after it's recent menu overhaul, it's a modern mix of American style classics with sandwiches, popcorn chicken, and of course...  Hamburgers.

The bacon mac-and-cheese used to be a fixture at Sci-Fi Dine-In, surviving all but the latest menu overhaul, and it was a definite fan favorite.  Featured in numerous older Disney cookbooks, thankfully this recipe isn't lost to the ages...  Though honestly, the recipe is surprisingly easy and pretty much the standard way to make mac-and-cheese from scratch.
The original recipe calls for a brand name processed cheese (starts with Vel...), but this recipe can be easily dressed up by replacing it with a fancier cheese that melts well, such as smoked cheddar or three and four cheese mixes.  When switching out the processed cheese for something else, make sure to shred it first for faster melting.

Because the recipe for the mac-and-cheese featured in the now-famous Fantasmic Bread Cones is not available, this was a wonderful and delicious substitute.  I'm not sure how close it tastes to the original as I never tried it, but I can't imagine how it's possible this combination could have tasted any better.  This was a huge, huge hit in our house...  And I've got kids who are very picky mac-and-cheese eaters...  Salty without being too salty, gooey, creamy, and extremely hearty...  And the mustard added a nice kick to it.  Plus...  Bacon.  I mean...  What else is there to say?


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Sci-Fi Bacon Mac-and-Cheese
As was served at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, Disney's Hollywood Studios
 
°o°  1 pound of bacon, diced  
°o°  3 cups macaroni elbow noodles
°o°  3 tablespoons bacon fat  
°o°  4 tablespoons all purpose flour  
°o°  1 1/2 cup milk  
°o°  8 ounces processed cheese (or 12 slices American Cheese)  
°o°  1 cup shredded cheddar cheese  
°o°  1 teaspoon yellow mustard  
°o°  Salt and pepper to taste  
Cook bacon in a shallow frying pan until crispy.  Drain bacon fat, reserving 3 tablespoons.  Set bacon aside on paper towels to drain.  While bacon is cooking, boil water for and cook macaroni elbow noodles according to package instructions.  Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, add the bacon fat and flour and whisk until it becomes a roux.  Slowly add milk and mix until incorporated, it begins a low simmer, and is slightly thickened.  Add processed cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, yellow mustard, and bacon.  Stir until cheese is mixed; do not let it boil!  Toss in pasta and stir until pasta is coated in cheese and bacon mixture.  Season to taste and serve warm.  


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