Hey there, fellow food fanatics! Today, we're ditching the diet (just for a moment, promise!) and diving headfirst into a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort: Baked Pasta and Cheese with Bacon Breadcrumbs. Now, I know what you're thinking – 'Mac and cheese? Groundbreaking!' But trust me, this isn't your average stovetop, outta-the-box mac. This is a baked masterpiece, folks, and it's about to rock your dinner world!
I remember my childhood attempts at mac and cheese; a haphazard mix of cheese, butter, and milk that somehow always ended up delicious, even if it was a bit… gloopy. One of my younger charges would eat no other type... and her mom wasn't too pleased when she tried to replicate my methodology!
But as we grow, so do our palates, and my approach to this classic dish has matured, too. We're talking creamy, not just stretchy, and we're adding a whole new level of awesome with a crispy, bacon-y topping. Think of it as mac and cheese, all grown up and ready to impress.
What Makes This Baked Pasta So Special?
- Taste: Imagine the sharp tang of cheddar, maybe even a smoky cheddar for extra oomph, mingling with the salty, irresistible flavor of bacon. It's a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
- Texture: Forget one-dimensional dishes! This recipe is a textural playground. Tender pasta, a luscious creamy sauce, and crunchy, savory breadcrumbs. It's a symphony of sensations in every bite.
- Foolproof Factor: Okay, I'll be honest, the cheese sauce needs a little bit of your attention. But fear not, with a dash of patience and a whisk in hand you can achieve the smoothest, creamiest sauce of your life. It’s so worth it, I promise.
- Timing: From start to finish, you're looking at about 45 minutes. Perfect for a mid-week family feast or a weekend indulgence.
The Star Ingredients:
- Pasta: We are using 8 oz of pasta, whatever you have in the cupboard, although penne or macaroni are a winner here
- Butter & Flour: These two are the heroes, making a roux and making the base for our amazing creamy cheese sauce. Four tablespoons of each are all you need, white flour is best here as it is smoother, but you can use wholemeal if that is all you have
- Milk & Cream: Two cups of liquid make it lush, with a suggestion to choose a creamier option for a richer taste. For a healthier dish simply use more milk
- Bacon: Two crispy slices, crumbled and ready to mingle with the breadcrumbs, adding a smoky punch
- Cheese: A generous 2 cups of shredded cheddar is what you need, you choose the level of sharpness
- Breadcrumbs: Half a cup is enough to make a delicious topping, mixed with melted butter and bacon fat for that golden crunch.
Get Your Gear Ready!
- Large pot for cooking the pasta
- Medium skillet for the bacon
- Medium saucepan for the cheese sauce
- Whisk for a lump free sauce
- Baking dish – for the finishing touch
Tips for Baking Bliss:
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is the key, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven and you don't want a sloppy mess.
- Butter Up: Buttering the baking dish prevents sticking and makes for a much easier cleanup - always a bonus!
- Patience is a Virtue (Especially with Sauce): Keep that heat at medium, and whisk like your life depends on it, for a silky smooth cheese sauce. No rush, just deliciousness.
Craving More Cheesy Goodness?
If you can't get enough of this cheesy sensation, here are a few more recipes to add to your list:
Ready to get cooking? Here's the full recipe:
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, or penne
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 slices bacon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease your baking dish.
- Cook the pasta to al dente, drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a medium skillet, until crispy. Remove, cool and crumble, reserving one tablespoon of fat.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, mix with breadcrumbs and crumbled bacon and reserved bacon fat. Set aside
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add flour, salt, pepper. Whisk until blended, then pour in 1/2 cup of milk and mix until smooth. Add the remaining milk and cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat and continue simmering for 10 minutes while stirring. Gradually add the cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat. Transfer into your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the bacon breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool for 3 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Use milk instead of cream, use any type of pasta
Nutrition:
- Calories: 842
- Sugar: 6.8 g
- Sodium: 952.1 mg
- Fat: 51.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 64.2 g
- Protein: 29.9 g
- Cholesterol: 140.2 mg
Now, go on, get cooking! And don't forget to tell me how much you loved this recipe! Happy eating!
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