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Alfredo Sauce With Bacon
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A traditional Alfredo sauce with the delicious addition of bacon (because everything is better with bacon!)
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
9 reviews
ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1 pint half and half
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
directions
Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
Add the flour to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated. While stirring, slowly add the half and half.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to stir frequently until the sauce thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the bacon and parsley.
Serve immediately over your favorite cooked pasta.
recipe tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
For a bolder flavor, add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
If you find the sauce too thick after refrigerating or reheating, thin it out with a little milk or pasta cooking water.
Try adding cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a healthier version.
Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
common recipe questions
Why add bacon to the Alfredo sauce?
Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce, making it richer and more flavorful. The texture of the crumbled bacon also adds a nice contrast to the sauce.
Can I use whole milk instead of half and half?
You can use whole milk instead of half and half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich. To achieve a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more butter or mixing in some heavy cream.
What is the purpose of flour in this recipe?
Flour acts as a thickening agent, helping to give the Alfredo sauce its desirable creamy consistency. It also helps to stabilize the sauce and prevent separation. It's an alternative to using heavy cream in the sauce.
Can I use another type of cheese?
You can use other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even a mix of cheddar for a different flavor. Just be aware that this may change the traditional taste of Alfredo sauce.
How long should I cook the garlic?
Cook the garlic for about 1-2 minutes or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.
What if I don't like parsley?
You can substitute parsley with other fresh herbs such as basil or chives. Or, you can omit it completely if you prefer.
What type of pasta goes well with Alfredo sauce?
Fettuccine is the classic companion for Alfredo sauce, but it also pairs well with other pasta types like penne, farfalle, or even gnocchi.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Alfredo sauce?
Alfredo sauce can be frozen, but the texture may change when thawed. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It lasts about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as reheating from frozen can turn the sauce grainy.
How do I reheat Alfredo sauce?
Reheat Alfredo sauce gently over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or half and half to help reach the desired consistency. Do not use higher heat or the sauce may separate or become grainy.
Is it possible to overcook the sauce?
Yes, overcooking can cause the sauce to separate or become too thick. It's best to cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
What can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?
You can add freshly cracked black pepper, nutmeg, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat. Cooking the bacon with some chopped onions or shallots can also enhance the flavor.
tools needed
Medium-Sized Saucepan: For melting the butter and cooking the garlic, as well as combining the rest of the ingredients to create the Alfredo sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the flour, cheese, and parsley (and half-and-half if not using a pint container).
Garlic Press or Knife: To mince the garlic cloves.
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: For stirring the sauce continuously while combining the ingredients.
Chef's Knife: For chopping the fresh parsley.
Cutting Board: For safely chopping the parsley and mincing the garlic.
what goes with it?
Grilled Chicken: Pair the creamy bacon Alfredo sauce with juicy grilled chicken. Toss a chicken breast on top or slice it and mix it in.
Roasted Asparagus: Serve roasted asparagus on the side. The bright, slightly bitter flavors of the asparagus will balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce, giving your meal a fresh pop.
Garlic Bread: A classic companion for any pasta dish, garlic bread will soak up that scrumptious Alfredo sauce and give a little extra garlic flavor to the meal.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Complement the bacon Alfredo sauce by using it over spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shells.
Caesar Salad: Lighten things up with a Caesar salad on the side.
Broccoli Florets: Add some steamed broccoli florets to your Alfredo dish for a splash of color and an extra bit of nutrition.
Sauteed Shrimp: Top your pasta with some sauteed (or grilled) shrimp, and you've got yourself an indulgent meal.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix some chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the Alfredo sauce for a sweet, tangy twist.
Herb Focaccia: On the bread front, don't miss out on the chance to pair this dish with a nice herb focaccia. The aromatic herbs will enhance the dish's flavors without overpowering them.
Crispy Prosciutto Chips: Sounds fancy? Well, they're not only chic but also the crispy, salty addition your Alfredo didn't know it needed. Scatter a few prosciutto chips over the top and let the textural contrast blow your mind.
Pine Nut Topping: Toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them over your pasta. These little guys add a nutty dimension and a hint of buttery richness that complements the sauce beautifully.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: Look for a buttery Chardonnay with some oak aging. The creaminess of the wine will echo the rich Alfredo sauce, while the oak can bring a touch of vanilla that pairs with bacon.
Sauvignon Blanc: A fresh, zesty Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Look for one with citrus and herbaceous notes to get that zippy contrast.
Pinot Grigio: A light and crisp Pinot Grigio, with its hints of green apple and pear, brings a refreshing element to the table. Its bright acidity helps balance the heaviness of the sauce.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Pilsner: A clean and hoppy Pilsner can contrast nicely with the creaminess of the sauce, giving you that refreshing crispness between bites.
Blonde Ale: This easy-drinking Blonde Ale is light and slightly malty, making it an excellent match for the savory goodness of the bacon and the creamy sauce.
Margarita: A classic margarita (hold the fancy salt rim) can add a fun twist here. The tart lime perfectly balances the richness of the Alfredo.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A simple sparkling water with a twist of lemon can be a refreshing companion. The bubbles will cleanse your palate without messing with the creamy goodness of the sauce.
Coconut Water: Slightly sweet and hydrating, coconut water can offer a unique and tropical vibe that complements the flavors while keeping it light and refreshing.
Herbal Iced Tea: A chilled herbal iced tea, like chamomile or mint, can enhance the dish's richness without overpowering it.
nutrition data
609 calories, 52 grams fat, 9 grams carbohydrates, 24 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
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reviews & comments
October 26, 2021
I wanted a richer sauce so I used half half-and-half and half heavy cream but kept everything else the same. Delish!!
December 3, 2013
Perfect recipe! I added more parmesan when serving it. Had plenty of bacon.
November 10, 2013
Excellent consistency, it's saucy and thick enough to properly sauce the pasta. The other flavors are well balanced. I figured it would need some salt but it didn't really seem to, probably because of the bacon. I did top it all off with some fresh cracked black pepper but that was really the only addition I provided.
July 17, 2013
Fantastic alfredo sauce! The bacon is a wonderful addition but this sauce would be just fine without it too if you are looking for a regular alfredo sauce.
July 13, 2013
If you like a lot of sauce on your pasta you might want to double this. For four people it was enough but we like our pasta with more sauce so next time I'll double it. The sauce is really good and not as rich as some since I suppose is because of the half and half instead of whipping cream.
June 27, 2013
Of course this is good, it has bacon! Seriously though, it's a good alfredo sauce.
March 28, 2010
We made this tonight and loved it.
January 27, 2007
YUMM!! IT WAS PERFECT!
June 28, 2005
This recipe is not only easy to make but delicious. Everthing is in just the right proportions and tastes wonderful.