When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s that gooey, cheesy goodness known as mac and cheese. Now, imagine taking that classic dish and giving it a gourmet twist with Brussels sprouts and bacon breadcrumbs. Yes, you heard me right! Mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts and bacon breadcrumbs is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds sing and your heart do a little happy dance. zucchini and tomato pasta Picture a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, topped with crispy bacon bits and sautéed Brussels sprouts that add just the right touch of earthy sweetness.

Let me take you back to a cozy winter evening when I decided to elevate my regular mac and cheese recipe. With friends coming over for dinner, I thought, “Why not throw in some veggies?” Little did I know that this would become the star of our night! The laughter, compliments, and empty bowls told me one thing: this dish was destined for my blog. corn salad with avocado Now, every time I whip up this mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts and bacon breadcrumbs, I’m transported back to that warm gathering filled with joy—and maybe a little too much cheese!

I remember one memorable night when my friends devoured every last bite of this dish—it was gone faster than I could say “seconds.”

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Use elbow macaroni or cavatappi for the best texture; they hold onto that cheesy goodness beautifully.
• Brussels Sprouts: Opt for fresh ones; look for bright green leaves without any yellowing.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunch; it adds so much flavor to the breadcrumbs.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works wonders here; its bold flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess; you could also use half-and-half for an indulgent touch.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal; it allows you to control the saltiness of your dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping; they stay crisp longer than regular ones.
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish; it’s a must-have! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors—don’t skimp on these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

• First things first: gather all your ingredients on the counter. Prepping ahead helps everything flow smoothly during cooking.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
• While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Brussels sprouts and cook until they are tender and slightly caramelized—around 5-7 minutes will do.
• In another pan, fry your bacon until crispy. Once done, remove from heat and let cool slightly before crumbling into small pieces for topping.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in flour until smooth and bubbly—this creates your roux! Gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Finally, stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
• Add your cooked pasta to the cheese sauce along with sautéed Brussels sprouts. Mix well until every piece is coated in creamy goodness before transferring everything into a greased baking dish. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Bangers And Mash recipe.
• Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top followed by panko breadcrumbs evenly across the surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbling underneath.
• Once baked to perfection, let it cool slightly before diving in! Serve hot alongside a salad or all by itself—you won’t regret it!

This recipe combines nostalgia with modern flair—a true crowd-pleaser! Your family might even start requesting it on special occasions. Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while sautéing Brussels sprouts and bacon in a separate pan. creamy pasta recipe Combine everything with cheese sauce for a creamy delight. cozy pumpkin risotto.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out Brussels sprouts for kale or add different cheeses like gouda for extra flavor. A pinch of nutmeg can elevate your cheese sauce too.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nothing warms my heart quite like watching my family dive into this dish. One time, my niece declared it “the best thing ever!” I knew I had officially won at cooking.

FAQ

Can I make Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

What can I substitute for the bacon?

Try turkey bacon or cooked pancetta for a delicious alternative.

How do I make it vegetarian-friendly?

Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the cheese sauce.

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Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is a comforting yet gourmet twist on a classic favorite. Creamy cheddar cheese sauce envelops al dente pasta, complemented by sautéed Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon breadcrumbs. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, sliced
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté sliced Brussels sprouts until tender and caramelized (5-7 minutes).
3. In another pan, fry bacon until crispy, then crumble into bits.
4. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk, whisking until thickened (3-5 minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Combine cooked pasta and sautéed Brussels sprouts with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
6. Top with crumbled bacon and panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg