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Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
5 from 57 votes

Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese blends tender pasta with steamed broccoli florets, crispy cooked bacon, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. The dish is baked to meld flavors and develop a comforting, hearty casserole perfect for a satisfying meal. The combination of smoky bacon and fresh broccoli complements the rich cheese, providing a balance of textures and savory flavor.

Prep Time
12 mins
Cook Time
23 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 601 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Measure out all your ingredients, chop your broccoli, and grate your cheese.
  3. Boil pasta per package instructions (times will vary a smidge by brand/shape) until al dente. Drain and set aside one done.
  4. While the pasta cooks, start your sauce and broccoli.
  5. 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.
  6. For the sauce, melt 1/2 stick of butter (1/4 cup) over medium heat.
  7. Add flour and whisk constantly while the flour cooks off into a roux, approx. 3 minutes. 
  8. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, to taste.
  9. Slowly pour in your room temperature milk, whisking constantly until smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat. Sauce will thicken  as it rests.
  10. Add pasta and broccoli florets to a 9-inch baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle 5-6 ounces of freshly grated cheese on top of the pasta.
  12. 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.
  13. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 601

% 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.