Mac and cheese with bacon
This mac and cheese with turkey bacon combines classic flavours with a breakfast twist, featuring creamy cheddar sauce and whole-wheat pasta. It's baked until golden and bubbling for a satisfying meal any time of day.
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 12 min
Ingredients:
16 oz turkey bacon8 oz whole-wheat pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
2 cups milk (3.25% fat)
2 cups cheddar cheese
2 eggs
1 dash black pepper
Start your day with this delicious and hearty mac and cheese with bacon. Combining the comfort of classic mac and cheese with satisfying breakfast elements, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a filling and flavorful morning meal. The use of turkey bacon, whole-wheat pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce provides a delightful twist to the traditional breakfast menu.
Instructions:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the turkey bacon.
- Cook until crispy, turning occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt and the whole-wheat pasta.
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs.
- To temper the eggs, slowly add a small amount of the hot cheese sauce while constantly whisking.
- Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cheese sauce, whisking continuously.
- Season with a dash of black pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled turkey bacon, and cheese sauce.
- Stir until everything is well-coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious mac and cheese!
This mac and cheese is a comforting and hearty way to begin your day. The creamy cheese sauce, crispy turkey bacon, and satisfying whole-wheat pasta come together to create a delicious dish that will keep you energized throughout the morning. Enjoy this unique and tasty breakfast by following the simple steps and tips provided.
Mac and cheese with bacon FAQ:
Bake the assembled mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
The dish is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also insert a fork to check if the pasta is hot and the cheese is melted.
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or even a vegetarian alternative, depending on your dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Absolutely! You can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey jack, or a combination of cheeses for different flavors. Just ensure they melt well.
Cooking Tips:
- Cook pasta al dente to ensure it maintains a firm texture when combined with the cheese sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and another type of cheese like Gouda or mozzarella.
- Ensure the butter and flour mixture (roux) is cooked adequately to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Slowly add milk to the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Temper the eggs by slowly adding a small amount of the hot cheese sauce into them before combining them completely to avoid curdling.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top and broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 790kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 2.41g
Sugar 7g
Fat 54g
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