Indulge in a delectable culinary experience with ourBroccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese, a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish elevates the classic mac and cheese by introducing the savory smokiness of bacon and the vibrant freshness of broccoli, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our detailed recipe guide will lead you through the process of crafting this delightful dish, ensuring a successful culinary endeavor.
In addition to the main recipe, we've also included variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For those with a penchant for spice, our Spicy Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese adds a kick of heat that will keep your taste buds dancing. If you prefer a vegetarian option, our Broccoli and Roasted Red Pepper Mac and Cheese offers a vibrant mix of flavors and colors. And for those seeking a healthier alternative, our Lightened-Up Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese uses low-fat ingredients and whole wheat pasta to create a guilt-free indulgence.
Each recipe is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. With our comprehensive guide, you'll master the art of making a creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and evenly distributed toppings. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply a cozy night in, ourBroccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese recipes are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
BACON-BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE
Take normal mac and cheese to the next level with steamed broccoli, crispy bacon and Gouda and cheddar cheeses.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, using minimum cook time. Meanwhile, cook broccoli as directed on package.
- In 4-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons drippings. Cook shallots in bacon drippings over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickens.
- Remove from heat. Add 2 cups of the Cheddar cheese and the Gouda cheese; stir until melted. Stir in cooked macaroni and broccoli and crumbled bacon. Spoon mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle with crushed crackers and remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered 15 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 650, Carbohydrate 61 g, Fat 1/2, Fiber 5 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1470 mg
MAC 'N CHEESE WITH BACON AND CHEESE
Provided by Tyler Florence
Categories main-dish
Time 1h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
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.
BACON-BROCCOLI MAC & CHEESE BITES
Whip up some Bacon-Broccoli Mac & Cheese Bites to share as an appetizer at your next gathering. These miniature Bacon-Broccoli Mac & Cheese Bites are filled with the ooey gooey deliciousness of macaroni and cheese with crispy bacon and broccoli.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Dairy
Time 35m
Yield 15 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400ºF.
- Prepare Dinner as directed on package, adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 2 min. Stir in bacon, onions and eggs.
- Spoon into 30 greased mini muffin pan cups; top with shredded cheese.
- Bake 8 to 10 min. or until golden brown. Cool slightly before removing from pans.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 380 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0.6797 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 7 g
ONE-POT BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE
In the time it takes to make boxed macaroni and cheese, you can have a homemade version that's creamy with lots of sharp Cheddar, studded with broccoli and doesn't require making a roux. Instead, the sauce is thickened by the pasta's starch: As the noodles cook in milk, the milk thickens to the consistency of cream and the pasta absorbs the seasonings. Here, that's garlic powder, but you could also use mustard powder, ground cayenne or grated nutmeg like in traditional mac and cheese. The broccoli pieces end up soft and sweet, but if you want more bite, add them halfway through cooking.
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories dinner, easy, lunch, weekday, pastas, vegetables, main course, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large pot or skillet, combine the macaroni, broccoli, milk, salt and garlic powder. Add 3 cups of water, and stir to combine. (The pasta may not be fully submerged. That's OK!) Bring to an active simmer over medium-high. Reduce the heat to medium to gently simmer. Cook, stirring often to ensure even cooking and to keep things from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the pasta is tender, and the liquid resembles heavy cream and coats the noodles, 8 to 12 minutes. If the liquid evaporates so much that you don't see any between noodles, add 1/2 cup water. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Eat!
CHEESY BROCCOLI WITH BACON
Gobble up bits of broccoli covered with an easy cheese sauce and sprinkled with smoky bacon. 15-minute side!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place broccoli and water in rectangular microwavable dish, 11x7x1 1/2 inches. Cover with plastic wrap, folding back one edge or corner 1/4 inch to vent steam. Microwave on High about 5 minutes or until hot and crisp-tender.
- Drain broccoli; return to dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle bacon over top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 110, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 170 mg
Tips:
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the macaroni, as it will need plenty of room to expand.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, but be sure to drain it well before adding it to the cheese sauce.
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the cheese sauce. A sharp cheddar will give the sauce a more flavorful taste.
- Add the cooked bacon and broccoli to the cheese sauce just before serving, so that they don't have a chance to overcook.
- Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately, while it is still hot and bubbly.
Conclusion:
This broccoli and bacon mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a quick and tasty meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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