Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (2024)

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Katerina

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Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese – Homemade mac ‘n cheese loaded with broccoli, a sprinkle of bacon, and lots of cheesy flavor.

Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (2)

Also known as the meal that will get adults AND picky kids to the table.

Hi, guys! Welcome to my internet corner– I’m so happy to see you’re here! I’d like to make your stay that much more enjoyable by inviting you to a big pot of mac ‘n cheese that involves bacon + broccoli.

I’d also like to share with you that it’s FriYAY!! and I woke up an entire hour before my alarm clock went off, AND my kitchen sink was empty. Sign of a good day ahead? I think so! If there’s anything worse than a kitchen sink filled with dishes first thing in the morning, let me know. I did that once last week because I was just too tired to do the dishes the night before, but oh my gah did I regret it the next day. I did, however, enjoy the extra 15 minutes of trash TV the night before…

Now that I’ve told you all about my life, and just in case you werelooking to consume an obscene amount of broccoli bacon macaroni and cheese… just in case… here we ARE!

Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (3)

Can I also make my case as to why homemade macaroni and cheese is a gazillion times better?

First and foremost, you know exactly what you’re putting in it. Secondly, you cancontrol the amount of sodium you’re about to eat up – most brands ofmac ‘n cheese contain around 900 to 1000 mg per serving! Which is like in 1 cup!Additionally, you can play around with different cheeses – dairy free cheese works really well. You’re also free to use skim milk, whole milk, dairy free milk, all milk!

Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (4)

I’m also going to suggest you reach for uncured bacon, which is an easier way of saying that this bacon is a tad bit better because synthetic nitrates or nitritesarenot present.

Aaaaand don’t forget the broccoli. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

Case made? I HOPE! 😀

Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (5)

    How To Make Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli

    • Now, please go placesome whole grain elbow macaroni pasta in boiling water and grab a big ol’ saucepan so we canget on this bacon macaroni and cheese deliciousness.
    • While the pasta is doing its thing, you’re going to sautee some onions and garlic in bacon fat. 🙂 If using turkey bacon, please add a pat or two of butter to the pan.
    • Our next step involves flour, pasta water, and milk + a whole lot of whisking.
    • Then comes the good part – cheeeeese! Add it to the liquid, melt it, throw in the prepared pasta and broccoli, keep stirring, top with bacon, stir, taste-test, serve.
    Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (6)

    Doesn’t that ⬆⬆scream dinner?? Sure does to me!

    More Macaroni Recipes

    • Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
    • Baked Macaroni and Feta Cheese
    • Spinach Feta Macaroni and Cheese

    Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (7)

    Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

    Katerina | Diethood

    Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese – Homemade mac ‘n cheese loaded with broccoli, a sprinkle of bacon, and lots of cheesy flavor.

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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Cook Time 30 minutes mins

    Total Time 40 minutes mins

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces whole grain elbow macaroni
    • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
    • 4 slices uncured bacon
    • 1 yellow onion , diced
    • 2 garlic cloves , minced
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 1 cup pasta water
    • 1 cup skim milk or dairy-free milk
    • 3/4 cups reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
    • 3/4 cups reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder , or to taste
    • fresh ground pepper , to taste

    Instructions

    • Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to the directions on the package, adding the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

    • Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.

    • In the meantime, cook the bacon in a large saucepan to a desired crispness; using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

    • Add the diced onions to the pan and cook for 2 minutes; stir in garlic and continue to cook and stir for 1 more minute.

    • Whisk in the flour and mustard; cook for 2 minutes whisking constantly.

    • Pour pasta water and milk into the pan and continue to whisk until mixture is completely smooth and thickened; about 4 minutes.

    • Add the cheeses and continue to cook, whisking, until creamy; about 2 more minutes.

    • Season with chili powder and pepper.

    • Stir in the pasta and broccoli.

    • Remove from heat and taste for seasonings; adjust accordingly.

    • Serve.

    Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

    Course: Dinner

    Cuisine: American

    Keyword: healthy mac n cheese recipe, mac n cheese recipe

    Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

    Categories:

    • Dinner Recipes
    Broccoli Bacon Macaroni & Cheese | Easy Mac n' Cheese Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    What does adding more milk to mac and cheese do? ›

    Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of milk and mix until the sauce has loosened up. (This is also a great trick for reheating mac and cheese - if you're microwaving leftovers and the sauce seems to have dried up, stir a splash of milk or half-and-half into the pasta to bring the sauce back to life!)

    How do you make instant mac and cheese taste better? ›

    Here are a few of my favorite ways to upgrade boxed mac and cheese in three ingredients or fewer:
    1. Broccoli + Shredded Chicken. ...
    2. Bacon + Peas + Egg. ...
    3. Garlic + Pickled Jalapeños. ...
    4. Mushrooms + Thyme + Grated Gruyère. ...
    5. Pesto + Sun-Dried Tomatoes. ...
    6. Kimchi + Bacon + Chopped Scallions. ...
    7. Cherry Tomatoes + Basil + Mozzarella.

    How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

    Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese is a simplified recipe. Just boil pasta in milk and then, add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper to it. Merge all the elements and Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese will be ready in no time.

    Is milk or heavy cream better for mac and cheese? ›

    Heavy whipping cream (or half and half) is the perfect substitute for milk in mac and cheese. This is actually a great option! The thicker consistency will produce a dreamy, creamy sauce that everyone will love. The flavor is bolder and richer, too, and you may enjoy it more than the original.

    Is it better to use evaporated milk or regular milk in mac and cheese? ›

    It will be richer and creamier. It's actually a very good substitute for regular milk. I've often used evaporated milk in mac&cheese which makes it better than milk. Both heavy cream and evaporated milk are much better in mashed potatoes, too!

    What is the best cheese for macaroni and cheese? ›

    What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

    What can I add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

    8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
    1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
    2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
    3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
    4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
    5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
    May 21, 2022

    What makes mac and cheese taste good? ›

    Salt: When adding salt, keep in mind that cheese has salt in it. You can also use salted butter but just add salt and taste as you go. Black Pepper: Always a must! Nutmeg: This is also optional but trust me, a dash of it goes a long way to balance the tangy cheese flavor and all the fats.

    Why does my homemade mac and cheese taste bland? ›

    If your mac and cheese tastes bland, it's either because it's under-seasoned, you didn't use flavorful cheese, or you didn't use enough cheese. Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it.

    How do you increase the flavor of cheese in mac and cheese? ›

    Cayenne pepper is a classic seasoning that adds warmth and enhances the flavour of the cheese.

    What president made mac and cheese? ›

    James Hemings, a classically trained French chef enslaved by US president Thomas Jefferson, was instrumental in bringing the recipe to the United States after Jefferson encountered it in Paris. Jefferson drew a sketch of the pasta and wrote detailed notes on the extrusion process.

    Why is spiral mac and cheese better? ›

    They have more texture.

    I've always been drawn to the chew factor that comes with mac and cheese shapes. Unlike the original noodles, which can turn into a mushy mess once their cooked, shapes tend to hold their rigid structure.

    What's the most expensive mac and cheese? ›

    Mac and Cheese

    Made by Chef Josian Citrin at Santa Monica restaurant Mélisse, the dish is a white truffle tagliatelle whose price varies between $115 and $130, depending on the quality of the imported Italian truffles.

    What do you do if you add too much milk to mac and cheese? ›

    Use cornstarch or all-purpose flour. You can thicken cheese sauce further by adding more flour or even using a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch or flour with a cup of water. The cold water will create a slurry.

    What can I add to mac and cheese to make it less watery? ›

    Unsalted Butter + All-Purpose Flour: The combination of these creates a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. Milk: The base of the cheese sauce! I recommend using whole milk for a richer, thicker sauce, but 2% will also work.

    Can you skip milk in mac and cheese? ›

    Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.

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