Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking bacon
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Gorgonzola and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and bacon to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
8. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 590
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 840mg
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Gorgonzola cheese, you can use blue cheese or feta cheese.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use any other type of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the mac and cheese for a heartier meal.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini, instead of elbow macaroni.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the mac and cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality bacon for the best flavor.
- To make the mac and cheese ahead of time, prepare it up until the point of baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the mac and cheese, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute and cozy presentation.
- Garnish the mac and cheese with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve the mac and cheese with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, add a bit more milk to the cheese sauce before adding the macaroni.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the bacon until crispy to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store leftover mac and cheese in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It originated in Italy, where pasta and cheese have been combined for centuries, but it wasn't until the 1800s that mac and cheese became popular in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
- This mac and cheese is rich and creamy, with a tangy and salty flavor from the Gorgonzola cheese and a smoky flavor from the bacon.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mac and cheese hot and bubbly, straight out of the oven.
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