Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
12 mins
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Cook Time
23 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
601 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Description
Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese combines cooked pasta with steamed broccoli and a cheese sauce made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in milk and seasonings. Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese is added to the pasta and broccoli before pouring the creamy sauce over the top. Crispy cooked bacon slices are incorporated to add a smoky, savory note that contrasts with the mild broccoli and creamy sauce. Baking the dish allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to slightly crisp on top.
The texture balances tender pasta, slightly firm broccoli, and melted, sharp cheese with the pork’s savory richness. Garlic powder and black pepper add a mild seasoning to the sauce without overpowering the cheese and bacon flavors. This dish works well as a main course or hearty side and suits casual dinners or comfort food occasions.
Using freshly grated cheese from quality blocks enhances texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded options. Substitutions such as gouda can be added for variation. Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider adding extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesier finish.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lices Bacon cooked
- 5-6 oz cheddar cheese see notes, freshly grated
- 3 cups broccoli steamed or blanched, florets
- 8 oz pasta dry
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk room temperature or warmed, whole
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- salt to taste, if desired, additional
- black pepper to taste, if desired, additional
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Measure out all your ingredients, chop your broccoli, and grate your cheese.
- Boil pasta per package instructions (times will vary a smidge by brand/shape) until al dente. Drain and set aside one done.
- While the pasta cooks, start your sauce and broccoli.
- Cook broccoli via your favorite method. I'm a big fan of quickly blanching broccoli in boiling hot water until the florets turn bright green and tender.
- For the sauce, melt 1/2 stick of butter (1/4 cup) over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk constantly while the flour cooks off into a roux, approx. 3 minutes.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, to taste.
- Slowly pour in your room temperature milk, whisking constantly until smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat. Sauce will thicken as it rests.
- Add pasta and broccoli florets to a 9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 5-6 ounces of freshly grated cheese on top of the pasta.
- Pour your cream sauce over the noodles and cheese. Use a rubber spatula to fold it all together. Feel free to top with a little extra cheese if you'd like, then top with bacon.
- Bake on center rack at 350 F for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese from high-quality blocks for best flavor and melting texture.
- Try mixing sharp white cheddar with gouda for a complementary cheese flavor.
- Add extra cheese on top before baking to increase cheesiness if desired.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste as needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 601 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 601kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 87mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 583mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 1783IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 62mg | 69% |
| Calcium | 451mg | 45% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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