Bacon White Cheddar Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Mac and Cheese with Basil Pesto and Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• cup basil pesto sauce, purchased or homemade
• 6 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces grated white Cheddar cheese
• cup panko bread crumbs
• cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 2 - or 3-quart baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return pasta to the pot, covering it to keep warm off the heat.
3. Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble them once cooled.
4. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and saut minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture turns golden brown, about 1 minute.
5. Slowly add the milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the saucepan, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce the heat to medium.
6. Stir in the grated Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the basil pesto sauce and half of the crumbled bacon, stirring to combine.
7. Transfer the sauce mixture to the pot with the cooked macaroni, stirring well to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and the top starts to brown.
10. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon.
11. Preheat the ovens broiler. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
12. Garnish with chopped basil before serving.

Cook's Note: I used Barilla Elbows and Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 563
• Total Fat: 30g (38%)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (77%)
• Cholesterol: 76mg (25%)
• Sodium: 548mg (24%)
• Total Carbohydrates: 51g (18%)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8%)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 23g (46%)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2%)
• Calcium: 438mg (34%)
• Iron: 3mg (16%)
• Potassium: 340mg (7%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This indulgent recipe for Bacon White Cheddar Pesto Mac and Cheese combines rich, creamy cheese with the fresh, vibrant flavor of pesto and crispy bacon. It is a perfect comfort food dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese.

Origin and History

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved American comfort food with roots dating back to the 18th century. However, the addition of pesto and bacon is a modern innovation that brings a fresh, savory kick to the classic dish. Pesto, a traditional Italian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, is typically used in pasta dishes but has recently been incorporated into various cuisines worldwide. This fusion of American and Italian flavors creates a creamy, herbaceous version of mac and cheese that's perfect for contemporary palates.

Regional Variations

The beauty of mac and cheese is that it can be customized in numerous ways. In the southern United States, mac and cheese is often served as a side dish to complement fried chicken, ribs, or barbecued meats. Meanwhile, the use of white cheddar in this recipe gives the dish a more sophisticated taste compared to the typical orange cheddar used in many recipes. The addition of pesto is a nod to Italian culinary traditions, adding a vibrant twist to the rich cheese sauce.

What Sets This Dish Apart

While many mac and cheese recipes rely on a classic cheese sauce, this version stands out thanks to its inclusion of basil pesto and crispy bacon. The pesto introduces a bright, herby flavor that complements the richness of the cheese, while the bacon adds a smoky, crunchy contrast. This makes the dish more complex and layered compared to the simpler, more traditional mac and cheese recipes, which are often just creamy cheese and pasta without the added flavors of herbs or meat.

Where It's Typically Served

Bacon White Cheddar Pesto Mac and Cheese is often served as a main dish or as a hearty side. Its a popular choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or special occasions where comfort food is desired. Many restaurants and cafes with a modern American menu or an Italian influence also feature their own takes on mac and cheese, sometimes offering variations with toppings like bacon, truffle oil, or lobster. This dish can be found at both casual dining establishments and upscale bistros that embrace a fusion of flavors.

Fun Facts

• The first published recipe for mac and cheese appeared in the 1700s, in a cookbook by English chef Elizabeth Raffald.
• The combination of cheese and pesto was popularized in the United States as chefs began experimenting with classic Italian ingredients in American dishes.
• White cheddar is often used for mac and cheese when a sharper, more complex flavor is desired, making it a popular choice for gourmet versions of this dish.
• Bacon is one of the most commonly paired ingredients with mac and cheese, adding a salty, crispy element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

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