Thursday, September 11, 2008

Barefoot Bloggers- Grown Up Mac and Cheese with Turkey Bacon and Broccoli

Heather of Randomosity and the Girl really picked a winner this time. She chose Grown Up Mac and Cheese for this week's Barefoot Bloggers recipe. My daughter was praising me before she even took a bite. She does love cheese with a passion. I knew no matter what mixture of cheese I used, this was going to be delicious. I decided to use what I had in the fridge, and luckily there was an enormous amount of Gouda, some cheddar and leftover Italian blend. I also used whole wheat pasta and turkey bacon, because that is what I always use and have on hand. I also decided as I was mixing this up, that the lone head of broccoli in the fridge would love to go swimming in this delicious cheese sauce. There was more than enough of that cheesy goodness to go around and everyone was more than happy. I baked it in 6 cute little dishes, courtesy of a recent hand me down (Thanks Grandpa), so I only baked them for 15 minutes. Everyone had there own serving and it was a good thing because some of us were sneaking bites out of the other bowls. This was delicious and will definitely make it back onto the table soon- Click HERE to get the original recipe





Grown Up Mac and Cheese with Turkey Bacon and Broccoli adapted from the Barefoot Contessa
4 ounces turkey bacon, chopped and cooked until crisp
2 cups whole wheat rotini
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 ounces Gouda cheese, grated
3 ounces Italian blend shredded cheese
2 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch nutmeg
2 cups steamed broccoli
2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt the butter in a medium pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or 2 more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gouda, Italian blend, Cheddar, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni, bacon, steamed broccoli, and stir well. Pour into 2 individual size gratin dishes or smaller ramekins if you want to get more servings, and reduce the baking time accordingly (I used 6 little dishes and only kept them in the oven for 15 minutes).
Place the bread slices in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. Add the basil and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the pasta. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

18 comments:

Prudy said...

I would have loved the broccoli in this one. And what a coincidence-we were all singing YOUR praises last night over root beer ice cream. Why have I been fussing with root beer freezes my whole life when the ice cream is easier and better. I have to tell you, I kept thinking about your power muffins all day too. They're next on my list.

Alexa said...

That looks delicious! I bet my kids and husband would love this. You are keeping me busy with all of your great meal ideas!

Chef Jeena said...

Looks fabulous, I love all the bowls of mac and cheese ina row together waiting to be devoured. :-D

Anonymous said...

I'm going to HAVE to join you ladies! This looks too good!

Maria said...

I love that you added broccoli! It makes it feel like a really healthy dish:)

Laura said...

ok I'm putting you to the challenge...i'm always checking out something new on your food site but i'm needing something with polska kiebelsa. can you try a new recipe for me? PLEEEAASSEEEE!

Kirsten said...

Adding the broccoli was a great idea. Looks tasty!

Melissa said...

Great idea to add broccoli!

Unknown said...

After reading your post (and some others) I think lightening up this recipe is the way to go! Good idea with the broccoli.

Laura said...

yes, on your last comment but if it's easier just to send me one via email that's fine too. I've done the jimbalaya and used the cabbage. sometimes with the cabbage i substitue a coleslaw blend and then mac noodles. yummy! i've just made it so many times i was trying to think of something different. and i'd go to you any day over martha stewart!

Lisa said...

Hey - thanks for your comment on my blog! I was going to add broccoli in mine too but wasn't sure how to do it so I put it on the side instead. Next time I'll have to add it and see how it turns out. Good job! Nice pics too.

Anne said...

It looks delicious in those cute dishes and broccoli was a great idea. Nice job!

Anonymous said...

Yeah. I want to dive into your macaroni and cheese. Oh, sweet mercy that looks good!
~Cat

Suzie said...

Great idea to work broccoli into the mix; a real one dish meal. Your photos are always so pretty to look at as well. Great job!

Christine said...

I was going to add peas into mine but just stuck with the recipe. Next time I am definitely adding broccoli! Great way to get some more veggies into my little one. Yours looks delicious!

The Farmer's Wife said...

broccoli is such a great idea for this! And love the individual servings! beautiful photos!

Rebecca of "Ezra Pound Cake" said...

Oh, love me some gouda. Great choice!

Heather B said...

ohhh...I love that you included broccoli! I bet it made it delicious! Great job!