Indulge in the creamy and cheesilicious goodness of Broccoli Mac and Cheese with an added twist of a savory bacon and potato nugget topping. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. With a combination of tender broccoli florets, gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and crispy potato nugget topping, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, making it a great go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen potato nuggets
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and broccoli florets to the cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the mac and cheese.
- Arrange the frozen potato nuggets on top of the bacon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the potato nuggets are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The combination of broccoli and cheese in this dish not only adds a delicious flavor but also provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.
The bacon and potato nugget topping adds an irresistible crunch and savory element to the classic mac and cheese.
You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like cooked chicken or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Leftovers of this dish can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick and satisfying meal.