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Bacon White Cheddar Pesto Mac and Cheese

Bacon White Cheddar Pesto Mac and Cheese

Cost $15, save $10

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 35 Min
  • 8 Servings
  • $15

INGREDIENTS

  • Pasta

    • 🍝 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni

  • Sauce

    • ½ cup basil pesto sauce, purchased or homemade

  • Meat

    • 🥓 6 slices bacon

  • Dairy

    • 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
    • 🥛 2 cups milk
    • 🥛 ½ cup heavy cream
    • 🧀 8 ounces grated white Cheddar cheese
    • 🧀 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Seasoning

    • 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • Topping

    • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs

  • Thickener

    • 🌾 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

STEPS

1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2 ½- or 3-quart baking dish.

2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and keep warm.

3

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble.

4

Melt butter with minced garlic in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour, cooking until golden brown, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.

5

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in grated Cheddar cheese, pesto sauce, and half of the crumbled bacon until cheese is melted.

6

Combine the sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

7

Mix panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the macaroni.

8

Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.

9

Broil for an additional 1 to 3 minutes until browned. Garnish with chopped basil, if desired.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

563

Calories

  • 23
    Protein
  • 51
    Carbs
  • 30
    Fats

💡 Ensure the bacon is fully drained and crumbled for an even texture throughout.You can adjust the pesto quantity for a lighter or stronger herb flavor.For added crunch, mix the panko with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling as a topping.