WHETHER YOU’RE SERVING UP THIS BACON-KALE MAC AND CHEESE AS A SIDE, OR AS A FULL MEAL, IT’S SURE TO BE A CROWD-PLEASER WITH THIS UNIQUE TOUCH TO A FAVORITE COMFORT DISH.
Ingredients
SERVINGS: SERVES 6
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 5 slices bacon, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bunch kale, leaves chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ½ cup 1% or 2% milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 425°F, with a rack in top position. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add macaroni, cooking until al dente, 6 to 8 minutes. Strain.
- In a large saucepan, cook bacon until browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and kale and cook until wilted, about 3 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to baking dish.
- Wipe saucepan clean. Place over medium heat; add butter. Once melted, whisk in flour to create a roux. Once it’s a paste, add half-and-half and milk. Turn heat to low, and cook until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. (Be sure not to let it get too thick.) Add sour cream and all but ½ cup cheese. Pour cheese sauce into cooked pasta; add kale-bacon mixture, and stir to incorporate.
- Transfer cheesy pasta to baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, followed by panko. Bake until browned and bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes.
