Irresistible Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy, cheesy goodness that is mac and cheese. When you throw in the crunch of bacon breadcrumbs and the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts, we enter a realm where comfort food meets gourmet dining. tasty pasta with vegetables Imagine diving into a bubbling, golden casserole bursting with flavors that dance on your palate and aromas that waft through your kitchen like a warm hug. easy creamy pasta recipe.

I vividly remember serving this dish at a family gathering and watching my cousin’s eyes light up as he took his first bite. It was like I had handed him the secret to happiness. This Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is perfect for cozy nights in or lively dinner parties. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the plates are cleared.

I still chuckle when I think about how my friends fought over the last scoop at our last potluck; they couldn’t resist its gooey charm.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Macaroni Pasta: Choose medium shells or elbow macaroni; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh sprouts work best; look for bright green ones that feel firm. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor; it’s worth the extra fat.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Aged cheddar adds depth; feel free to mix in some Gruyère for richness.
• Milk: Whole milk creates a creamier texture, but you can substitute low-fat if desired.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning; it’s vital for making a roux.
• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens your cheese sauce perfectly without clumps.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add extra crunch; mix them with bacon bits for maximum flavor.
• Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg): Don’t skip these! They elevate all the flavors in your dish beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Banana Cake Recipe recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

• Start by boiling a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. honey mustard potatoes side Drain then set aside while you work on the sauce.
• In a skillet over medium heat, add diced bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove bacon from skillet but keep drippings to sauté Brussels sprouts. Add sliced sprouts to the skillet and cook them until tender and slightly caramelized—about 5-7 minutes.
• In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute until it turns light golden. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened—this should take about 5 minutes.
• Once your sauce is thickened, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance flavors. Mix in cooked macaroni and sautéed Brussels sprouts along with crispy bacon bits until well combined.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish—a 9×13 works great! Top evenly with panko breadcrumbs mixed with remaining bacon bits for an irresistible crunch.
• Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly—a sure sign that dinner is ready!

And there you have it: Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs awaits! Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley before serving for an extra pop of color.

Now gather around the table because this delightful creation deserves all the praise it can get!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the Brussels sprouts until golden, then cook the pasta while making the cheesy sauce. Mixing everything together at the end creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out Brussels sprouts for kale or spinach, and add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor kick. garlic herb chicken recipe Experimenting allows you to make this dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, retaining that creamy goodness.

One time, I made this dish for a potluck, and everyone wanted my secret recipe. It was hilarious when I revealed how easy it really is!

FAQ

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, just ensure you thaw and pat them dry before roasting for best results.

What cheese works best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar gives rich flavor, but mixing in Gruyère adds creaminess.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit bacon, substitute with crispy chickpeas or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

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Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets crispy bacon and tender Brussels sprouts for a flavor explosion that will impress at any gathering. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz macaroni pasta (medium shells or elbow)
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts (halved)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt, pepper, nutmeg (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil salted water in a large pot; cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, keeping drippings.
4. Sauté halved Brussels sprouts in the bacon drippings until tender (5-7 minutes).
5. In a saucepan, melt butter; whisk in flour for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
6. Stir in shredded cheese until melted; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
7. Mix in cooked macaroni, sautéed Brussels sprouts, and bacon bits.
8. Transfer to a greased baking dish; top with panko mixed with remaining bacon bits.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg