Adding crispy bacon and healthy kale to this creamy mac and cheese recipe takes it to the next level. This dish is perfect for any event because it's comforting and filling.
Ingredients: 8 oz macaroni pasta. 4 slices bacon, chopped. 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tbsp butter. 2 tbsp all-purpose flour. 1 1/2 cups milk. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. 1/4 tsp paprika optional.
Instructions: Follow the directions on the box to cook the macaroni until it is al dente. Remove the water and set it aside. Boil chopped bacon in a big pan over medium-low heat until it gets crispy. Take the bacon out of the pan and set it aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pan. To the pan with bacon fat, add minced garlic and chopped kale. It will take about 34 minutes of cooking until the kale is soft. Take the bacon and kale out of the pan and set them aside. Over medium heat, melt the butter in the same pan. Add the flour and stir it in to make a roux. Cook for one minute. As you whisk in the milk, make sure it's smooth. Keep stirring the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it gets thicker. Turn down the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it in until it melts and is smooth. If you want to, you can add paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Toss the cooked macaroni, bacon, and kale into the cheese sauce until everything is well mixed and hot. If you want, you can serve it hot and top it with extra shredded cheese and bacon.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
atlanta youth energy corps
