Try this recipe for Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Bacon for the ultimate comfort food. Crusty bacon, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese sauce come together to make a delicious dish that will sate your cravings.
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni. 4 slices bacon, chopped. 1/4 cup unsalted butter. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. 2 cups milk. 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped. Salt and pepper to taste. 1/2 teaspoon paprika. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs optional. Cooking spray.
Instructions: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt and the sauce is creamy. Add the chopped spinach, cooked macaroni, and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper if desired. Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if you'd like a crispy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Spinach-Bacon Macaroni and Cheese!