bacon leek and tomato macaroni and cheese

Author of this recipe: Thalia Vorwaller

Creamy bacon, leek, and tomato mac & cheese; perfect comfort food! #macandcheese #baconlove #leeksandtomatoes

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Ingredients

• - Bacon - High in protein and a classic mac & cheese topping
• - Leeks - Adds a mild onion flavor with a subtle sweetness, perfect for mac & cheese
• - Tomatoes - Fresh or canned, packed with lycopene and adds color and texture
• - Macaroni Pasta - A staple for creamy pasta dishes, choose your preferred shape like elbow macaroni
• - Cheddar Cheese - Sharp cheddar is essential for mac & cheese, it gives the dish its signature flavor
• - Milk - Full-fat milk is recommended for a richer taste, but you can use almond or other alternatives if needed
• - Butter - Adds richness and helps in melting the cheese smoothly
• - Flour - For a roux base that thickens the sauce
• - Salt - To bring out flavors; use kosher salt for better control over seasoning
• - Pepper - Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall taste
• - Optional: Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic - Boosts the flavor profile, though leeks and bacon add great depth on their own

Steps

1. ### Bacon Leek and Tomato Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
3. #### Ingredients:
4. - **12 oz pasta** (such as penne or elbow macaroni)
5. - **8 slices bacon**, chopped
6. - **4 large leeks**, washed and sliced thinly
7. - **3 medium tomatoes**, diced
8. - **2 tbsp unsalted butter**
9. - **1/2 cup all-purpose flour**
10. - **4 cups whole milk**
11. - **1 tsp salt**
12. - **1/2 tsp ground black pepper**
13. - **1 bay leaf**
14. - **1/4 tsp paprika (optional)**
15. - **1 lb sharp cheddar cheese**, grated
16. - **1/2 cup gruyere cheese**, grated
18. #### Instructions:
20. ##### Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
21. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
22. 2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
23. 3. Drain and set aside.
25. ##### Step 2: Cook Bacon and Leeks
26. 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
27. 2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
28. 3. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté leeks over medium-low heat for about 8-10 minutes or until softened.
30. ##### Step 3: Prepare Sauce
31. 1. In another large pot, heat milk with bay leaf, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
32. 2. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
33. 3. Gradually add the milk mixture to the cheese, stirring constantly until smooth.
35. ##### Step 4: Combine Ingredients
36. 1. Add cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, half of the grated cheddar, and gruyere to the sauce.
37. 2. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
38. 3. Cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat.
40. ##### Step 5: Serve
41. 1. Remove bay leaf from macaroni mixture.
42. 2. Top with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon.
43. 3. Broil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
45. #### Keywords:
46. - Bacon Leek Mac and Cheese
47. - Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
48. - Comfort Food Recipe
49. - Mac and Cheese Variations
50. - Cheesy Pasta Dishes
52. #### SEO Tips:
53. - Use targeted keywords like "bacon leek," "tomato macaroni," and "mac and cheese" throughout your content.
54. - Include related phrases such as "comfort food recipes" to attract a wider audience.
55. - Add relevant hashtags and tags when sharing on social media platforms for better visibility.
57. Enjoy this delicious and comforting bacon leek and tomato macaroni and cheese!

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• bacon leek and tomato macaroni and cheese