Description
Aromatic Indulgent Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with the earthy crunch of Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, promising a delightful flavor experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups fresh Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 oz bacon, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, steam halved Brussels sprouts with a splash of water for about 5 minutes until tender but bright green. Remove from heat.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while stirring to thicken. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked macaroni, Brussels sprouts, and bacon into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg