Description
A delicious and creamy mac and cheese recipe featuring Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet and sauté in the bacon drippings for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cooked bacon until melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and Brussels sprouts, stirring until well combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Substitute the Brussels sprouts with broccoli or cauliflower for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg