White Cheddar Macaroni with Bacon and Thyme

Health score
12%
White Cheddar Macaroni with Bacon and Thyme
95 min.
8
808kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the creamy, savory delight of White Cheddar Macaroni with Bacon and Thyme, a dish that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe combines the rich flavors of sharp white Cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Imagine the aroma of sizzling bacon mingling with the fragrant notes of thyme as you prepare this delectable meal. The creamy cheese sauce, made from scratch, envelops perfectly cooked mezze penne pasta, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. With a golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s broiled to perfection, this dish not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning when served.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this White Cheddar Macaroni with Bacon and Thyme is versatile enough to fit any occasion. With a preparation time of just 95 minutes, you can easily whip up this crowd-pleaser for lunch, dinner, or even a special celebration. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a comforting meal that brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

Ingredients

  • pound bacon thick sliced cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 0.3 cup butter 
  • 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
  • cups milk 
  • small onion chopped
  • 0.3 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • pound penne pasta (short)
  • servings sea salt black to taste
  • 3.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded white divided
  • teaspoon thyme leaves dried

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • paper towels
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • whisk
  • pot
  • baking pan
  • aluminum foil
  • broiler
  • colander

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese around the inside of the dish.
  2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the penne uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
  3. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
  4. Place the bacon pieces into a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes.
  5. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Retain 1/4 cup of bacon drippings. Set the bacon pieces aside.
  6. Melt butter and bacon drippings together in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  7. Whisk in the flour, stirring frequently until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
  8. Whisk in the milk, a little at a time, and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper, and then whisk in 1/4 cup Parmesan and 3 cups Cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the Cheddar cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and thick.
  9. Stir the cooked penne pasta into the cheese sauce, then lightly mix in the cooked bacon.
  10. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven until the pasta is hot and bubbling, about 25 minutes.
  12. Remove the dish from the oven, and turn on the broiler.
  13. Remove the foil, and broil the dish until the cheese topping is browned and crisp, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories808kcal
Protein15.76%
Fat56.79%
Carbs27.45%

Properties

Glycemic Index
38
Glycemic Load
22.58
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
21.583912828694%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.11mg
Isorhamnetin
0.44mg
Kaempferol
0.06mg
Quercetin
1.78mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:808.42kcal
40.42%
Fat:50.76g
78.1%
Saturated Fat:23.6g
147.5%
Carbohydrates:55.21g
18.4%
Net Carbohydrates:53.07g
19.3%
Sugar:7.94g
8.82%
Cholesterol:119.47mg
39.82%
Sodium:1043mg
45.35%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:31.7g
63.41%
Selenium:66.51µg
95.02%
Phosphorus:568.39mg
56.84%
Calcium:547.58mg
54.76%
Vitamin B2:0.51mg
29.93%
Manganese:0.59mg
29.51%
Zinc:3.98mg
26.54%
Vitamin B12:1.52µg
25.34%
Vitamin B1:0.34mg
22.43%
Vitamin B3:3.73mg
18.63%
Vitamin A:930.34IU
18.61%
Vitamin B6:0.36mg
17.81%
Magnesium:68.5mg
17.13%
Potassium:487.13mg
13.92%
Vitamin B5:1.27mg
12.71%
Vitamin D:1.88µg
12.54%
Copper:0.22mg
10.95%
Fiber:2.14g
8.55%
Folate:32.29µg
8.07%
Iron:1.37mg
7.61%
Vitamin E:0.92mg
6.16%
Vitamin K:2.21µg
2.1%
Vitamin C:1.05mg
1.27%
Source:Allrecipes