Description
Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is a comforting dish that combines creamy macaroni pasta with earthy Brussels sprouts and a crunchy bacon topping. This indulgent recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, offering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, sliced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 oz cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add sliced Brussels sprouts and sauté until tender (5-7 minutes).
- In a saucepan, melt remaining butter. Whisk in flour and cook until golden (about 2 minutes). Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth.
- Stir in grated cheddar until melted. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix pasta with cheese sauce and sautéed Brussels sprouts in a large bowl.
- In another skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Combine with panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle over mac and cheese.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg