Best 7 Bacon Spinach Mac Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Bacon Spinach Mac and Cheese, a culinary symphony where creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, crispy bacon, and vibrant spinach harmonize perfectly. This dish is a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and modern culinary flair, offering a satisfying experience for both the palate and the soul. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you effortlessly through the steps of creating this scrumptious meal.

The journey begins with a roux, a fundamental building block of many sauces, which is formed by gently heating butter and flour until a smooth paste is achieved. This roux is then whisked into milk, creating a velvety and luscious base for the cheese sauce. A blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are then incorporated, melting into the sauce and infusing it with a rich, nutty flavor.

Next, cooked macaroni is added to the cheese sauce, ensuring that each noodle is evenly coated and infused with cheesy goodness. Crispy bacon, with its smoky and savory notes, is then crumbled and sprinkled throughout the macaroni mixture, adding a delightful textural contrast. Finally, fresh spinach is stirred in, its vibrant green color and earthy flavor adding a refreshing touch to the dish.

The recipe also includes variations to suit different preferences and dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian twist, the bacon can be omitted and replaced with roasted mushrooms or zucchini. For a touch of spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika can be added to the cheese sauce. And for those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free macaroni alternative can be used.

Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or preparing a dish for a special occasion, Bacon Spinach Mac and Cheese is sure to impress. Its combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, coupled with the vibrant colors of the spinach and bacon, makes it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPINACH AND BACON MAC AND CHEESE



Spinach and Bacon Mac and Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese goes upscale, featuring bow-tie pasta, bacon and spinach. This delicious dish can serve six in just 25 minutes.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups uncooked bow-tie (farfalle) pasta (8 oz)
1/2 lb sliced bacon, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 bag (6 oz) fresh baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Return to Dutch oven; cover to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until crisp; remove to paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons drippings.
  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat butter and reserved bacon drippings over medium heat until butter is melted. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in flour, salt and pepper with whisk until smooth. Stir in milk; heat to boiling. Stir in cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Pour cheese sauce over pasta; stir until coated. Stir in spinach. Reserve 1/4 cup of the bacon; stir remaining bacon into pasta mixture. Divide pasta mixture among 6 serving bowls; garnish with reserved bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 Serving (1 Cup), Sodium 810 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1/2 g

MAC 'N CHEESE WITH BACON AND CHEESE



Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups milk
2 or 3 sprigs thyme
4 cloves garlic, smashed and divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 1/2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, smashed
Leaves from 1/4 bunch fresh thyme

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Drain.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a small saucepan heat the milk with the thyme sprigs and 2 garlic cloves. Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to keep lumps from forming. Strain the solids out of the milk and whisk it into the butter and flour mixture. Continue to whisk vigorously, and cook until the mixture is nice and smooth. Stir in the 4 cups of the cheese and continue to cook and stir to melt the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and the parsley and fold that all in to coat the macaroni with the cheese mixture. Scrape into a 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
  • While that bakes, heat a saute pan. Add the bacon, render the fat and cook until crispy. Add onion, garlic and thyme leaves and cook for about 5 minutes to soften the onion. Season with salt and pepper.
  • To serve, scatter the bacon mixture over the mac and cheese. Use a big spoon to scoop out servings, making sure you get some of the smoking bacon mixture on each spoonful.

SPINACH-BACON MAC & CHEESE RECIPE



Spinach-Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe image

Take mealtime to the next level with this Spinach-Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe. This smoky Spinach-Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe is packed with flavor.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings, about 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 pkg. (6 oz. ) baby spinach leaves
4 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
2 cups KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding spinach to the boiling water for the last minute.
  • Meanwhile, cook and stir bacon in large saucepan until crisp. Use slotted spoon to remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings in pan. Add flour to drippings; cook and stir 1 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 3 to 5 min. or until thickened.
  • Add 1 cup cheddar and Parmesan to saucepan; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until melted. Add pasta mixture and bacon; mix well.
  • Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining cheddar. Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Sodium 480 mg, Carbohydrate 33 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 5 g, Protein 21 g

SPINACH AND BACON MAC & CHEESE



SPINACH AND BACON MAC & CHEESE image

I MAKE MY MAC & CHEESE HOMEMADE, BUT THIS RECIPE CALLS TO USE KRAFT MACARONI & CHEESE HOMESTYLE DINNER CLASSIC WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE. I MIGHT BREAK AND JUST MAKE IT THE RECIPE WAY OR GO THE LONG ROUTE AND MAKE IT MY WAY. EITHER WAY IT SOUNDS GREAT....

Provided by Kimi Gaines

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 4

12.6 oz kraft homestyle macaroni & cheese dinner classic cheddar cheese sauce
2 c baby spinach
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
4 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

  • 1. PREPARE DINNER IN LARGE SAUCEPAN AS DIRECTED ON PACKAGE EXCEPT DO NOT TOP WITH BREAD CRUMBS.
  • 2. STIR IN SPINACH AND PEPPER; COOK AND STIR 2 MINUTES OR JUST UNTIL SPINACH IS WILTED.
  • 3. STIR IN BACON. SPRINKLE WITH CRUMB MIXTURE.

KRAFT SPINACH MAC & CHEESE WITH BACON



KRAFT Spinach Mac & Cheese with Bacon image

Make mac and cheese even better with KRAFT Spinach Mac & Cheese with Bacon! You and the kids will love this delicious mac and cheese with bacon dish.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings, 1-1/4 cups each

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
2 cups packed baby spinach leaves
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
4 slices cooked OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crumbled

Steps:

  • Prepare Dinner as directed on package.
  • Stir in spinach and pepper; cook and stir 2 min. or just until spinach is wilted.
  • Stir in bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 1120 mg, Carbohydrate 43 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, Protein 15 g

SPINACH MAC AND CHEESE



Spinach Mac And Cheese image

This recipe was a successful attempt at trying to feed my family more spinach. They loved it and now prefer this version to conventional mac and cheese.

Provided by Lenka McDonald

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 teaspoon butter
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 pound frozen chopped spinach, not thawed
3 cups grated Cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat while macaroni is cooking. Add flour and whisk until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in a little milk and continue whisking. Pour in remaining milk and add frozen spinach. Cook, whisking constantly, until spinach softens and sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups Cheddar cheese; whisk until melted. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Drain macaroni and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover with cheese sauce. Mix well. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Turn on the oven's broiler and broil until a golden crust forms on top, about 3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.8 calories, Carbohydrate 41.2 g, Cholesterol 59.5 mg, Fat 20 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 20.5 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 466.6 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

SPINACH MACARONI AND CHEESE



Spinach Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Spinach Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Lori Mama

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups macaroni pasta, cooked
1 cup chopped cooked spinach
2 cups hot milk
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons horseradish
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425.
  • In medium sized pot, over medium heat, melt butter.
  • Add the flour and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the hot milk and cook until thickened.
  • Add the spinach, cheese, seasonings, horseradish and mustard.
  • Mix well.
  • Combine with the cooked pasta.
  • Place in a greased cassarole dish.
  • Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until bubbling.

Tips:

  • Use a high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
  • Cook the bacon until it is crispy but not overcooked.
  • Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
  • Add the spinach to the macaroni and cheese at the end of cooking so that it does not overcook.
  • Season the macaroni and cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately, while it is still hot and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Bacon spinach mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The bacon adds a smoky flavor to the dish, while the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. The cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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