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Grown up mac and cheese photo

Ina Garten Grown Up Mac and Cheese

The Editors at Food Fanatic
This grown up mac and cheese recipe from Ina Garten shows how this dish isn't just for the kids! Bacon and a mixture of cheeses give it a 'wow' factor the adults will love!
3 from 17 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 2 1 serving
Calories 1271 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 pound Thick Sliced Bacon
  • 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil
  • 1 pinch of Kosher Salt
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni or cavatappi
  • 1 1/2 cups Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 ounces Gruyere Cheese grated
  • 3 ounces Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
  • 2 ounces Blue Cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 pinch of Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 slices White Sandwich Bread crusts removed
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a baking rack, then set the rack on a sheet pan.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is nice and crispy.
  • Remove the pan from the oven, remembering to take care as it will contain hot grease.
  • Drain the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels.
  • When it's cool enough to handle, crumble it between your hands.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add a little oil.
  • Pour in the macaroni and cook according to package directions, for around 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, warm the milk in a small saucepan without boiling it.
  • In a medium pan, melt the butter and add the flour.
  • Whisking constantly, cook over a low heat for 2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the hot milk, continuing to whisk, and cook for a couple more minutes, until thickened and smooth.
  • Remove from the heat and add the Gruyere, Cheddar, blue cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Finally, stir in the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon.
  • Divide into 2 individual size gratin dishes.
  • Pulse the bread slices in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs, then add the basil and pulse briefly to combine.
  • Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the pasta and place in the oven.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 1271kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 57gFat: 58gSaturated Fat: 31gSodium: 1218mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14g
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