Broccoli and Bacon Mac N Cheese

Description

Looking for a comforting dinner that brings together pasta, vegetables, and cheese? This Broccoli and Bacon Mac N Cheese gives a wholesome twist to a classic favorite by using whole wheat noodles, broccoli, turkey bacon, and a creamy cheddar sauce with blended cauliflower.

It is a hearty, family-friendly meal that delivers big comfort with extra nutrition tucked into every bite.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 (12-ounce) box whole wheat noodles
  • 2 cups broccoli, chopped
  • 8 slices turkey bacon, chopped and cooked

Cheese Sauce

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup whole wheat flour
  • 3 cups skim milk
  • 2 ½ cups cauliflower, diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Topping

  • ¼ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions.
  2. Steam vegetables. Steam broccoli until fairly soft and set aside. Steam cauliflower until very soft for the cheese sauce.
  3. Blend cauliflower. In a blender, combine steamed cauliflower with 1 cup of milk and blend until smooth.
  4. Cook bacon. Cook turkey bacon until crisp and set aside.
  5. Make sauce base. In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
  6. Add milk mixture. Stir in the cauliflower mixture and remaining milk. Continue cooking over medium-low heat until thickened.
  7. Add cheese. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Combine. Add cooked noodles and broccoli to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  9. Bake. Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with cooked bacon and remaining ¼ cup Cheddar cheese. Broil for 5 minutes.
  10. Serve. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 670
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Fiber: 11.4 g
  • Calcium: 30% Daily Value

Why Dairy?

Milk and Cheddar cheese create the creamy texture that makes mac and cheese so satisfying. Dairy also adds calcium and protein, helping turn this comfort food into a more balanced meal.

Make It Your Own

  • Swap turkey bacon for cooked chicken
  • Add extra vegetables like peas or spinach
  • Use different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella
  • Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk if needed
  • Freeze for up to 2 months

Recipe Credit

Adapted from milkmeansmore.org

Reach out any time!

PHONE
314.835.9668

FAX
314.835.9969

EMAIL
[email protected]

MAIN OFFICE - ST. LOUIS
325 North Kirkwood Road, Suite 222
St. Louis, Missouri 63122

Send a Message

Fill out this contact form and we will return your message in 2 business days.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)