Indulge in the perfect comfort food with our Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe. This delicious dish combines the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional macaroni and cheese with the savory crunch of bacon and the nutritional boost of broccoli. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
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Image: A delicious serving of Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese in a cast-iron skillet
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of flavors and textures
- Customizable with your favorite cheese blends
- Great way to sneak vegetables into a kid-friendly dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta shape
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 cups (180g) broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Add milk and cheese: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, chopped bacon, and steamed broccoli florets to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Cook the bacon until crispy for added texture.
- Steam the broccoli just until tender-crisp to maintain its nutrients and color.
- For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Variations
- Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère, Gouda, or fontina for unique flavors.
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute cauliflower for broccoli or use a mix of both for added variety.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
For a lighter version of this dish, check out our Healthier Mac and Cheese Alternatives.
Craving more pasta recipes? Explore our Ultimate Pasta Recipe Collection for more delicious ideas.
The History of Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese has been a beloved comfort food for centuries. Learn about the fascinating history of this classic dish and how it evolved into the countless variations we enjoy today.
Conclusion
Our Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.
Remember, the key to great mac and cheese is using quality ingredients and not rushing the process. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins to make this recipe your own.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese as much as we do. Share your creations with us and explore more of our comfort food recipes for endless culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!
reamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Indulge in the perfect comfort food with our Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe. This delicious dish combines the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional macaroni and cheese with the savory crunch of bacon and the nutritional boost of broccoli. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of flavors and textures
- Customizable with your favorite cheese blends
- Great way to sneak vegetables into a kid-friendly dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta shape
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 cups (180g) broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Add milk and cheese: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, chopped bacon, and steamed broccoli florets to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Cook the bacon until crispy for added texture.
- Steam the broccoli just until tender-crisp to maintain its nutrients and color.
- For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Variations
- Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère, Gouda, or fontina for unique flavors.
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute cauliflower for broccoli or use a mix of both for added variety.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
For a lighter version of this dish, check out our Healthier Mac and Cheese Alternatives.
Craving more pasta recipes? Explore our Ultimate Pasta Recipe Collection for more delicious ideas.
The History of Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese has been a beloved comfort food for centuries. Learn about the fascinating history of this classic dish and how it evolved into the countless variations we enjoy today.
Conclusion
Our Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.
Remember, the key to great mac and cheese is using quality ingredients and not rushing the process. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins to make this recipe your own.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Creamy Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese as much as we do. Share your creations with us and explore more of our comfort food recipes for endless culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!
