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Hey there, fellow daddy newbies! Ready to embark on a cheesy journey that’ll make you the hero of dinnertime? Let’s dive into the world of baked mac and cheese – a dish that’s sure to bring smiles to your kids, young and not so little!
The Mac and Cheese Magic
Picture this: a golden, crispy top giving way to creamy, gooey cheese-coated pasta underneath. That’s the magic of our baked mac and cheese! It’s not just delicious; it’s a kid-friendly masterpiece that’s perfect for busy dads who want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe a Winner?
- Baked to Perfection: Crispy top, creamy inside – the best of both worlds!
- Kid-Approved: A sure-fire hit with the little ones
- Dad-Friendly: Easy to prepare, with meal prep options for busy days
- Nutritious Twist: We’ve got some tricks up our sleeves to pack in some extra goodness!
Dad Hacks: Making Life Easier
- Meal Prep Magic: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future dinner emergency!
- Quick-Fire Version: Short on time? Skip the baking and serve it straight from the pot. It’ll be creamy and delicious, just without the crispy top.
- Veggie Ninja Move: Sneak in some pureed cauliflower or butternut squash into the cheese sauce. Extra nutrients, and they’ll never know!
Nutritional Ninja Moves
- Protein Power-Up: Add some cooked, diced chicken or ham for an extra protein boost.
- Reduced Fat, Full Flavor: Use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese by 1/4 cup. Compensate with extra seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for a flavor kick!
Kid-Friendly Twists
- Shape Shifters: Use fun pasta shapes like shells, bowties, or even character pasta for extra excitement.
- Color Play: Add a handful of peas or finely chopped broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Topping Bar: Set up a topping station with crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese for a DIY mac and cheese experience!
You’ve Got This, Dad!
Remember, cooking is an adventure, and this mac and cheese recipe is your trusty sidekick. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect the first time – each attempt will be better than the last. The most important ingredient? The love and effort you’re putting into feeding your family.
So, tie on that apron (or not – we’re not judging), gather your little sous chefs, and get ready to create some cheesy memories. Your baked mac and cheese might just become the stuff of family legend!
Ready to level up your dad game in the kitchen? Give this recipe a try and watch those little faces light up. You’ve got this, Super Dad!
Baked Mac and Cheese
As a dad who loves to cook, I've learned that few dishes bring the family together quite like a steaming pan of mac and cheese. But why settle for the boxed variety when you can create a gourmet version that'll have everyone asking for seconds? This Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon is my go-to recipe for those special family dinners or when I want to impress at a potluck. Let's dive in!
Equipment
- 1 Casserole Dish or Baking Pan Your trusty casserole dish or standard baking pan will be the star of the show. It's where your mac and cheese will transform into a golden, bubbly masterpiece!
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet If you're feeling adventurous, you can use your cast iron skillet for both cooking and baking. It's perfect for achieving those crispy edges that everyone fights over!
- 1 Large Pot You'll need this to boil your pasta to al dente perfection.
- 1 Colander Essential for draining your cooked pasta.
- 1 Cutting Board A sturdy surface for chopping bacon and any additional ingredients
- 1 Sharp Knife For cutting bacon and dicing any extra add-ins you might want.
- 1 Cheese Grater If you're using block cheese, a grater will be your best friend. (Pro tip: freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded!)
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining your cheese sauce ingredients.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula Perfect for stirring your cheese sauce and folding in the pasta.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons Accuracy is key in cooking, especially when it comes to cheese ratios!
- 1 Whisk Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 slices bacon diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.1 pound elbow macaroni
- Chef’s Tip: Undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it won’t become mushy during baking.
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.8 slices bacon
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to create a roux.1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.3 cups whole milk
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Chef’s Tip: For an extra smooth sauce, warm the milk before adding it to the roux.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Add the mustard powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup Gruyère cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, Salt and black pepper to taste
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and half of the crispy bacon.
Prepare for Baking:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top.1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Scatter the remaining bacon over the breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings to round out your dinner:- Green Salad: A crisp, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love extra carbs? The garlicky crunch complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a healthy contrast.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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