BLT Mac & Cheese
BLT mac n cheese takes all the flavors of the classic sandwich and puts them together with classic macaroni and cheese. This family friendly recipe will keep everyone happy and full.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 1007kcal
- 32 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups skim milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 1 bag 9 oz, fresh spinach
- 1 lb bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup plain or Italian style, panko bread crumbs*
In a dutch oven, or other large pot, add butter, milk, seasonings and cubed cheese. Cook over medium heat, stirring with a whisk, until melted and evenly combined.
Cook macaroni in boiling salted water 3 minutes less than indicated on the box in the directions. Drain.
Pour the drained macaroni in with the cheese sauce. Mix well.
Stir in the shredded cheese, spinach, and tomatoes.
Transfer to a 15×10 inch (4 quart) baking dish. Cover with foil.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 30 minutes.
Uncover. Spread bacon and bread crumbs evenly over the top.
Bake 5 minutes longer or until the top is lightly browned.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Velveeta cheese is crucial for this recipe. It melts better and makes a smooth sauce.
- If you want to use frozen spinach instead, defrost it and wring out the excess moisture before you add it to the casserole.
- To ensure nice browned, crisped breadcrumbs you can toss the breadcrumbs in 1-2 tbsp of melted butter before adding to the casserole.
Calories: 1007kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 2530mg | Potassium: 981mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 2186IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 1038mg | Iron: 2mg