This Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is the ultimate cozy, indulgent dish. A creamy cheddar sauce wraps around conchiglioni pasta, with caramelized brussels sprouts, kale, and onions. Topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs, it’s a rich and flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese, perfect for a cold-weather dinner or a comforting treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the bacon and vegetables:
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6 oz raw bacon
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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4 scallions, thinly sliced
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Olive oil
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½ lb brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved, and thinly sliced
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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½ lemon, juiced
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1 small bunch kale, stemmed and thinly sliced
For the pasta and cheese sauce:
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4 oz fresh bread, cubed
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1 lb pasta (large shells or conchiglioni)
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk, heated
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½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
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½ lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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Minced chives for garnish
Directions
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Render the bacon: In a large Dutch oven, place the bacon and cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate and set aside.
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Caramelize the vegetables: In the same pot, add red onions and cook in the bacon fat for 5-6 minutes until caramelized. Add a splash of water, scrape the brown bits, then stir in scallions and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer the mixture to a plate.
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Cook brussels sprouts and kale: Add olive oil to the pot, then cook brussels sprouts until browned, crisp, and tender. Stir in lemon zest and juice, season with salt, and transfer to a plate. Quickly wilt the kale in the same pot for 1 minute, then set aside with the other vegetables.
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Prepare the breadcrumbs: Pulse the bacon and bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the breadcrumbs until golden and crisp. Set aside.
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Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 1 minute less than the package’s instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour for 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the heated milk, whisking continuously, and cook for about 6 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese until smooth.
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Combine and serve: Add the pasta and cooked vegetables to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine, season with salt to taste. Top with bacon breadcrumbs and garnish with minced chives.
Nutrients
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Calories: 540 kcal per serving
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Protein: 20g
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Fat: 30g
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Saturated Fat: 12g
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Cholesterol: 50mg
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Sodium: 800mg
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Potassium: 520mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g
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Calcium: 350mg
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Iron: 3mg
Why This Mac and Cheese Is Special
What sets this mac and cheese apart from the traditional version is the addition of Brussels sprouts and bacon breadcrumbs. Brussels sprouts are often associated with being bitter, but when caramelized in bacon fat and paired with lemon zest and juice, they transform into a rich and slightly sweet component that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese sauce. The bacon breadcrumbs provide a crispy, smoky topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta and vegetables below.
The creamy cheddar sauce that envelops the pasta is another standout feature of this dish. Made with whole milk and sharp cheddar cheese, the sauce is smooth, velvety, and full of flavor. The sharpness of the cheddar works in harmony with the other ingredients, creating a delicious depth of flavor that enhances every bite.
The Role of the Vegetables
While mac and cheese is typically a cheese-centric dish, the addition of vegetables like Brussels sprouts and kale adds not only nutritional value but also texture and complexity. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, and have a unique, slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce. When caramelized, their natural sweetness is brought out, which contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the bacon and cheese.
The kale in this recipe provides a touch of bitterness and a leafy texture that complements the richness of the cheese sauce. It’s a great way to incorporate greens into a dish that might otherwise be quite indulgent. The vegetables work together to create a well-balanced dish that offers both comfort and a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors.
The Importance of the Bacon and Breadcrumbs
The addition of bacon breadcrumbs is what truly elevates this mac and cheese. The bacon is rendered slowly to crisp perfection, and its smoky, savory flavor infuses the breadcrumbs when they are pulsed together in a food processor. The breadcrumbs are then toasted in olive oil, creating a golden, crispy topping that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
The bacon breadcrumbs not only provide a delightful contrast in texture but also contribute a salty, smoky element that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. The combination of crispy bacon and soft pasta creates an irresistible contrast, making every mouthful more interesting and satisfying.
Cheese Sauce: The Heart of the Dish
At the core of every good mac and cheese is the cheese sauce. In this recipe, the sauce is made with sharp cheddar cheese, which offers a bold, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich creaminess of the sauce. The milk is heated before being added to the roux (a mixture of butter and flour), allowing the sauce to thicken smoothly without clumping.
The technique of slowly adding the milk and whisking continuously ensures that the cheese sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety. As the milk is incorporated, it thickens and transforms into a creamy, luxurious sauce that envelops the pasta and vegetables, creating a deliciously rich base for the entire dish. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese is balanced by the creamy texture of the sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
The Pasta: Conchiglioni for the Win
In traditional mac and cheese, elbow macaroni is the go-to pasta choice, but in this recipe, conchiglioni (large shell-shaped pasta) is used for its ability to hold the cheese sauce inside. These large, ridged shells create the perfect vessel for the creamy sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Conchiglioni is also great for holding onto the vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and kale, which cling to the pasta as it’s stirred into the sauce. This makes for a more substantial and satisfying bite compared to smaller pasta shapes.
The pasta is cooked until just al dente, so it retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when combined with the cheese sauce. The result is a comforting, hearty dish that provides the perfect balance of pasta, cheese, and vegetables.
The Crunch Factor: Breadcrumbs and Bacon
No mac and cheese is complete without a crispy topping, and in this recipe, the topping is made from bacon and breadcrumbs. The bacon is cooked until crispy, and then the fat is used to toast the breadcrumbs, which become golden and crunchy. This topping adds a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy pasta and vegetables, ensuring that every bite has a little crunch.
The bacon breadcrumbs also provide a smoky, salty element that complements the richness of the cheese sauce and the sweetness of the caramelized Brussels sprouts. The crispy topping is the finishing touch that makes this dish feel extra special, providing a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.
Garnishing and Serving Suggestions
Once the Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is assembled, a sprinkle of minced chives adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that enhances the richness of the dish. The chives also contribute a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing. The combination of the creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon topping, and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven, so the cheese sauce remains creamy and the bacon breadcrumbs stay crispy. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a light vegetable dish to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
Health Benefits of Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs
Although mac and cheese is typically considered a comfort food indulgence, this version incorporates vegetables that add nutritional value. Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to the dish. Kale is also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and minerals, contributing to the overall healthiness of the meal.
While the dish is rich, it also contains a good balance of protein from the bacon and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta to provide energy. The inclusion of fiber-rich vegetables helps to improve digestion and keep the meal feeling more balanced.
The bacon breadcrumbs do add a bit of richness and fat, but in moderation, they help provide a satisfying crunch and flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you want to make this dish lighter, you can adjust the amount of bacon or substitute some of the cheese for a lower-fat option.
Conclusion
Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The creamy cheddar sauce envelops large pasta shells, while the caramelized Brussels sprouts and kale add depth, flavor, and texture. The crispy bacon breadcrumbs on top provide the perfect contrast to the rich and creamy base, elevating the dish to something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to share with friends and family, this indulgent mac and cheese is sure to satisfy every craving. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness, savory bacon, and fresh vegetables, making it a truly memorable meal.