Friday, August 26, 2011

Spinach & Bacon Macaroni & Cheese

I'm looking for new ways to make macaroni and cheese. My kids (like most their age) love it and I kind of got sick of feeding them the plain ole processed out-of-a-box mac'n'cheese over and over again. I was very pleased with the outcome of this recipe. My 4 year old former-picky eater ate every last bite!


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What you need:
  • 3 cups medium shell macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 pkg. frozen spinach leaves (original recipe calls for 6 oz. fresh baby - I will only use half a frozen 10 oz. next time)
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (I will probably add more next time)
  • 2 tbsp. flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook shells according to pkg, adding spinach in the last 2 to 3 minutes. Drain.
  2. Meanwhile, cook bacon; save grease! Drain bacon on paper towels and crumble.
  3. Add flour to bacon grease and stir until bubbly. Slowly stir in milk. Bring to a boil, while stirring, cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 cup cheddar (or accidentally 2 cups) and Parmesan; continue stirring until cheese is melted completely.
  5. Pour cheese into macaroni and spinach; add bacon. Mix.
  6. Transfer to a casserole dish and top with 1 cup remaining cheddar (or whatever cheese you find in your fridge because you accidentally put 2 cups in on step 4). Bake for 20 minutes.

Recipe Source: Unknown

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