Monday, July 18, 2011

Mostly Meatless Monday - Smoky Mac & Cheese With Bacon

I bought some smoked gouda the other day and thought it would be great in some homemade mac & cheese, so I came up with this recipe.  Leave the bacon out for a meatless meal and it would still taste great, I think.





Smoky Macaroni & Cheese with Bacon

6 slices of bacon, fried, drained and crumbled
1 box (13.25 ounces) whole wheat penne pasta
1 Tablespoon butter
1 Tablespoon flour (I used 1/2 white, 1/2 whole wheat)
1/2 cup half and half cream
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese

Fry bacon, drain and crumble, then set it aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain.

While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.  Stir in cream and milk.  Cook and stir until mixture thickens, 2-3 minutes.  Stir in cheeses until melted, then remove from heat.  Stir most of the bacon pieces into the cheese sauce mixture, reserving a tablespoon or two of bacon pieces for garnish.

Stir cheese sauce into cooked pasta until evenly coated.  Spoon into serving dish and garnish with reserved bacon pieces.

Makes 4 to 6 main-dish sized servings.

6 comments:

Mark said...

Ya know, Annie, I'll never learn. I really should put up a post-it on my monitor reminding myself to visit you only after Lunch. Now I'm craving some bacon.
m.

McVal said...

Yummy! I've never cooked with Gouda before. That sounds delish!

slugmama said...

You had me at bacon.....

Sonya Ann said...

LOL sluggy!!!! Honestly, we are a funny bunch. I love us!
I drooled again.

Jill said...

Looks yummy....but I'd have to go without the bacon :-) Have a great night!

blessings,
Jill

Jenn said...

Yum! I love bacon in Mac and Cheese...this will be going on the menu soon :)