It’s a chilly evening, and the aroma of bubbling cheese wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace. Picture this: creamy macaroni, perfectly tender Brussels sprouts, and crispy bacon breadcrumbs mingling together like old pals at a cozy gathering. chicken cutlets with burrata savory bacon wrap recipe If you’re not drooling yet, you will be when you dive into this Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs.
Now let me take you back to a family dinner where I decided to spice things up. Everyone was expecting the classic mac and cheese, but I sneaked in some Brussels sprouts—cue the gasps! Surprisingly, it became an instant hit. This dish is perfect for those chilly nights or festive gatherings when comfort food reigns supreme. Get ready for an epic flavor journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is simple to prepare, combining rich flavors that everyone adores
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side, it suits various occasions beautifully
- With crispy bacon breadcrumbs on top, it’s impossible to resist!
I remember my friend Molly’s face when she took her first bite; sheer bliss washed over her as she declared it the best mac and cheese ever.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Elbow Macaroni: A classic choice that holds the cheesy goodness well; feel free to swap with any pasta shape you love. creamy pasta with mushrooms.
- Brussels Sprouts: Choose fresh sprouts; they add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that balances the richness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Go for high-quality cheese for that perfect melt and tangy flavor; trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess; don’t skimp here if you want velvety sauce!
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits are essential; they add smokiness and crunch that elevates every bite.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide extra crunch on top; mix them with some melted butter for added flavor.
- Butter: A must-have for making your roux silky smooth; use unsalted butter to control the saltiness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the cheese sauce perfectly; no lumps allowed!
- Garlic Powder: A pinch adds depth of flavor without overpowering; it’s like magic in a jar!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors—don’t forget to taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Slice about 1 cup of Brussels sprouts thinly and sauté until they’re golden brown and tender—about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In another saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour until smooth and bubbly—this forms your roux!
Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk until smooth. Slowly stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine Everything Together: Fold the cooked macaroni into your cheesy mixture along with sautéed Brussels sprouts. Mix well until everything is coated in cheesy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Add Toppings and Bake!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. herb roasted chicken dish Top with crispy bacon bits and panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Now that you’ve got this mouth-watering Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs ready to go, prepare yourself for compliments from everyone at the table! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs elevates comfort food to gourmet status
- The crispy bacon and tender Brussels sprouts create a flavor explosion that’s irresistible
- It’s perfect for impressing guests and satisfying your inner cheese lover at the same time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then sauté Brussels sprouts and bacon separately. Combine everything in a baking dish with cheese sauce for a satisfying bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out Brussels sprouts for kale or spinach, and try different cheeses like Gouda or pepper jack to add a kick.
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 for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or milk when reheating
- Always taste the cheese sauce before mixing to adjust seasoning as needed
- Using fresh herbs can brighten up flavors dramatically, so don’t skip them!
Cooking this dish reminds me of a family gathering where my cousin declared it “life-changing.” Her enthusiasm made my heart swell, knowing I created something special.
FAQ
Can I make this Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth in your cheese sauce.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
How can I make my breadcrumbs extra crispy?
Toast them in olive oil before sprinkling on top for an irresistible crunch.
Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy cheese sauce with tender Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Each bite delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup fresh Brussels sprouts, sliced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz crispy bacon bits
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- Sauté sliced Brussels sprouts in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- In another saucepan, melt butter; whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth; mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni and sautéed Brussels sprouts with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish; top with bacon bits and panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
