Tags
bacon, cavatappi, dinner, food, macaroni and cheese, macaroni and cheese casserole, macaroni and cheese recipe, panko breadcrumbs, pasta, recipe, sharp cheddar cheese, skillet macaroni and cheese
It’s Wednesday and the week has gotten away from me.
That seems to happen more at this time of year. What do you think?
I had something planned for Mondays on Main St. and that will have to wait until next week.
The combination of snow, snow days, and stuffy noses has taken its toll, but of course it will pass. And, not soon enough.
Hopefully, we’ll all be feeling better tomorrow.
In the meantime, we are battening down the hatches for another storm here in the south. This one looks to be bigger than the last, which makes for some definite news around these parts.
We took advantage of the fluffy snow and did a lot of this yesterday afternoon.
We headed over to this nearby hill and spent some time sledding. Next, it was a trip to the market for more supplies as we were preparing for another round of snow and possibly freezing rain.
But, let’s get back to the mac and cheese. Lately, we’ve been enjoying the combo of bacon and breadcrumbs, as with this meal. The difference in the two recipes is the addition of the homemade cheese sauce (so easy).
I used a 1/2 pound of cavatappi pasta, but of course any noodle you have in the pantry will work in its place. You could stop right here and have an easy meal, but the addition of the bacon and panko breadcrumbs gives the whole dish a little more oomph.
I’ll be checking in tomorrow with another post or two (catching up on comments too) before I head for warmer weather and some time with a dear friend.
Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
1/2 lb cavatappi, cooked al dente
8 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
2 C sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 C panko bread crumbs
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (I used Applegate Sunday bacon)
Method
Preheat the oven to 350 °. Spray a 9-inch skillet with nonstick spray.
Melt 3 tbsp of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and pepper and whisk to combine. Slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the prepared skillet. Pour in the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine.
Melt the remaining butter in the microwave. Combine the melted butter, panko bread crumbs, and bacon in a small mixing bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle over the cooked cavatappi and cheese sauce. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and breadcrumbs turn a light golden brown.
Serves: 4 as a main dish or 6 as a side dish
Quinn Caudill said:
Reblogged this on Dad Whats 4 Dinner.
bakingwithsibella.com said:
Oh that looks soooo good! 🙂
Main St. Cuisine said:
Oh, thank you for your sweet comment!
Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
Allison
Bernice said:
Looks really good! We had a chuckle the other day when we saw schools and cities were closed for a couple of inches of snow. But of course you do not have the equipment we have to take care of the roads. But the icy roads are scary regardless where you live!
Main St. Cuisine said:
It just must sound so ridiculous especially with all of the snow you all have had this winter! We manage to get only about 3 inches overnight, but it’s all going to freeze this evening and will probably make for some icy roads in the morning (just in time to drive to the airport).
On a separate note, I’ve missed two weeks of Downton. Do you happen to know of a way to see the missing episodes? Online perhaps?
Bernice said:
It is funny but at the same time icy roads are very dangerous! Plus you don’t have the equipment to remove snow like we do. I believe there is a way online. I just pinged a friend – I will let you know what I find out.
Bernice said:
I have never used this site – but it is recommended by a friend. http://www.couchtuner.eu/
Silver in the Barn said:
Allison, I think Downton is repeated on Wednesday evenings. At least it is on my PBS. Did you get more than just the three inches? And I’m hoping you are feeling better today too. I’m just going to start referring to your blog when I want to make something new. So many delicous and easy recipes. Thank you!!
Main St. Cuisine said:
Barbara, I’m so glad you mentioned Wednesdays. With the Oscars and a few other things, I’ve missed two episodes (gasp).
I’m feeling a little better…just in time for tomorrow’s flight. I believe I’m on the upswing.
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your evening!
Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward said:
My kids love sledding!
Hope you guys feel better soon.
Photos of food are awesome!
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Cecile said:
Hi My Friend! I was checking to see how you’re doing & found this great recipe. I’ve already pinned it. How are you – busy, busy, busy I believe. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Sending you cyber hugs!! ; o )