Bacon Mac
September 10, 2010 in pasta, pork
This week’s Light Bites recipe was chosen by… ME! Obviously. Who else would choose a lightened up version of mac & cheese with bacon?
I’ve had this recipe bookmarked for who knows how long but I always find excuses not to make it. Two pieces of bacon? Is that enough to be considered the protein of the meal? It would be silly to make it a side dish if it calls for bacon, right? I talked myself out of making it nearly every week for the past few months. When Light Bites came about, I knew it was finally time to make it.
Even though this is a Cooking Light dish, it’s still fairly heavy. It’s one of the heavier macaroni and cheese’s I’ve made, for sure. It starts out only flour and milk instead of the usual flour and fat mixture which, I guess, makes it have that heavy feel. The best part about the dish is the bacon and green onions, of course. Those two were meant to be together.
We did enjoy this dish, but my husband and I agreed that we would’ve liked it more if it was a little lighter. I’ll probably do my regular cheese sauce with the bacon and green onions next time around. I am glad that I can finally delete the recipe from my bookmarks though! 1 down, 254 to go!
- 3¼ teaspoons salt, divided
- 12 ounces strozzapreti or penne pasta
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups skim milk, divided
- 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Cooking spray
- Preheat broiler.
- Bring 6 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- Combine flour and ½ cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add 1 cup milk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let stand 4 minutes or until it cools to 155°. Stir in 1½ cups cheese. Add ¼ teaspoon salt, onions, hot sauce, pepper, and bacon; stir. Add pasta; toss. Spoon into a 2-quart broiler-safe dish coated with cooking spray; top with ½ cup cheese. Broil 7 minutes.
from Cooking Light
I am so happy with your pick – it was amazing! Glad you were able to squeeze it into your cooking schedule ; )
Can’t wait to see what you pick next!
.-= Pam´s last blog ..Light Bites- Bacon Mac =-.
I’ve tried this recipe before and I found it to be terrible. Everyone one liked it. I wonder where I went wrong…
this is sooo bookmarked! I”ve been looking for a good mac recipe! thanks
.-= Defunk´s last blog ..DDWRT WDS-Connection Watchdog =-.
Pork and pasta. Sounds amazingly good! Can’t wait to try it.
.-= Meredith´s last blog ..Fourth of July Menu- red white and blue ambrosia =-.