Creamy Panera Mac Cheese with Turkey Bacon
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Panera Mac Cheese featuring crispy turkey bacon. Each bite offers a delightful combination of rich cheddar and savory bacon that warms your soul. Perfect for cozy nights or quick lunches, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 6 slices turkey bacon
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and chopped turkey bacon in a large mixing bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables such as spinach or roasted tomatoes. - Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.