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