Description
Panera Mac Cheese Turkey Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy turkey bacon for a flavor explosion. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress friends and family. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, it’s a delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 oz turkey bacon, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook for about one minute.
- 3. Gradually add milk while whisking until the sauce thickens (about five minutes). Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- 4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook turkey bacon until crispy (about five minutes per side), then chop into pieces.
- 5. Fold cooked macaroni and turkey bacon into the cheese sauce, mixing well.
- 6. For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg