Dressed-Up Bacon Mac and Cheese (Food Network Kitchens) |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 55 Minutes |
Ready In: 75 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Ingredients:
unsalted butter, for greasing |
8 ounces macaroni |
2 1/2 cups cold milk |
4 ounces provolone cheese, coarsely grated |
4 ounces aged asiago cheese, coarsely grated |
2 large eggs |
2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped |
3 slices white sandwich bread, torn into small pieces |
3 strips bacon |
1 medium onion, chopped |
1 clove garlic, minced |
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour |
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
kosher salt |
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart shallow casserole dish. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain; transfer the pasta to the prepared casserole dish along with 1/4 cup of the cold milk. (This will cool the pasta and prevent it from becoming gummy.) 2. Meanwhile, mix the cheeses together in a small bowl. Beat the eggs with 1/4 cup of the milk in a medium bowl. Add the scallions, bread and half of the cheese to the egg mixture; set aside. 3. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings from the pan. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until just brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the flour, cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt; cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the remaining 1 3/4 cups milk and 3/4 cup water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, whisking until thick. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk to cool slightly. Whisk in the remaining cheese. Add the sauce to the macaroni; stir to combine. 4. Crumble up the bacon and add it to the egg/bread mixture. Spread evenly over the pasta. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven; let sit 5 minutes before serving. 5. Photograph by Tina Rupp |
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