Creamy Béchamel Mac’n Cheese with Bacon
This creamy homemade Mac'n and Cheese is true comfort food with bacon that gives it a smoky flavour with each bite.
Servings: 4
Calories: 604kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (macaroni, long twisted)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups organic milk
- 2 cups organic marble cheddar, shredded
- sea salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 slices butcher's bacon
- 1 cup organic broccoli, cut diagonally 1"inch pieces
- 11/2 cup organic spinach
Instructions
- Bring a large sauce pot of water to a boil, add salt. Cook until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside with lid on.
- Béchamel: Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in flour to create a roux (a thick paste). Slowly add milk and whisk until the sauce starts to thicken, about 15 minutes. Do not allow the sauce to boil.
- Two ways to cook bacon. One is in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, turning over halfway through and then chop into pieces once slightly cooled. Second option: cut bacon into strips, and cook on the stove until slightly crispy.
- If you choose to add broccoli, add broccoli into a bowl with some water and place it in a microwave, covered with paper towel, for about 40 seconds. If you choose to add spinach, add it to the sauce to soften.
- Add bacon, cheese, broccoli (if using) salt, and pepper to the pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 981mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4605IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 445mg | Iron: 3mg