Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will revolutionize your mac and cheese experience! This isn't your ordinary comfort food - it's a flavor-packed adventure that combines the classic creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the smoky crunch of bacon and the subtle elegance of leeks. Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese is about to become your new obsession, promising a dish that's simultaneously familiar and excitingly unique. Get ready to wow your family and friends with a recipe that elevates the humble mac and cheese to gourmet status!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 can Bush's beans
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 leek, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni, 1 can of Bush's beans, 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 sliced leek, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of flour, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sliced leek. Sauté the leek for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Once the leeks are ready, sprinkle the flour over them and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the milk mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the drained macaroni, crumbled bacon, and the can of Bush's beans (drained and rinsed) to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. The quality of your cheese and bacon can make a significant difference in the final dish.
- When cooking the leeks, make sure to clean them thoroughly and slice them thinly to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the dish.
- For extra crispiness, consider adding a breadcrumb topping before baking. Mix panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle over the top before the final bake.
- Don't overcook the macaroni - aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta.
- Use a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar for maximum flavor and creamy texture. You can even mix in some gruyère for additional depth.
- Drain and rinse the Bush's beans well to prevent excess liquid in your mac and cheese.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or add some Greek yogurt to the cheese sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 399kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 50mg
