Bacon Mac and Cheese - Woman's Day

By á-46

Ingredients

• 1 pound(s) elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• 2 tablespoon(s) olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
• 2 leeks, cut into 1/2-inch thick half-moons
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• 1 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cup(s) whole milk
• 4 ounce(s) low-fat cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly grated or ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon(s) cayenne
• 8 ounce(s) (2 cups) extra-sharp Cheddar, shredded
• 8 ounce(s) (2 cups) Gruyère, shredded
• 6 slice(s) bacon
• 1 cup(s) fresh bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup(s) chopped flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

Step 1

•Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Oil a shallow 3-quart baking dish or six 2-cup ramekins. Cook the pasta according to package directions.


•Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the leeks, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the leek mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.


•Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese, nutmeg, and cayenne until blended. Stir in the Cheddar and Gruyère and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and the mixture has slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.


•Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate; crumble when cool.


•In a small bowl, toss the bacon, bread crumbs, parsley, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese and bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.


Read more: Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe - Woman's Day