Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Bacon
Indulge in the creamy, savory comfort of this Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Bacon—a gourmet twist on a classic favorite! Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, this recipe gets a boost of smoky richness from crispy bacon and a dose of earthy goodness from wilted fresh spinach. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs for the perfect contrast in textures, this baked mac and cheese is hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this dish delivers indulgence and nutrition in every bite. With easy, step-by-step instructions, you'll create a crowd-pleasing masterpiece in just one hour!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams Elbow macaroni
- 200 grams Bacon
- 150 grams Fresh spinach leaves
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground mustard powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Reserve one tablespoon of the bacon grease.
In the same skillet, add the spinach to the reserved bacon grease and cook over medium heat until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.
Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt completely. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika (if using).
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, spinach, and bacon. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and mix until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Bacon!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5171 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 255.0 g | 327% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.4 g | 637% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 708 mg | 236% | |
| Sodium | 9275 mg | 403% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 461.5 g | 168% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.2 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.1 g | ||
| Protein | 260.2 g | 520% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.1 mcg | 50% | |
| Calcium | 3611 mg | 278% | |
| Iron | 27.9 mg | 155% | |
| Potassium | 3295 mg | 70% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
