Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Measure out all your ingredients, chop your broccoli, and grate your cheese.

Step 3

Boil pasta per package instructions (times will vary a smidge by brand/shape) until al dente. Drain and set aside one done.

Step 4

While the pasta cooks, start your sauce and broccoli.

Step 5

Cook broccoli via your favorite method. I'm a big fan of quickly blanching broccoli in boiling hot water until the florets turn bright green and tender.

Step 6

For the sauce, melt 1/2 stick of butter (1/4 cup) over medium heat.

Step 7

Add flour and whisk constantly while the flour cooks off into a roux, approx. 3 minutes.

Step 8

Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, to taste.

Step 9

Slowly pour in your room temperature milk, whisking constantly until smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat. Sauce will thicken  as it rests.

Step 10

Add pasta and broccoli florets to a 9-inch baking dish.

Step 11

Sprinkle 5-6 ounces of freshly grated cheese on top of the pasta.

Step 12

Pour your cream sauce over the noodles and cheese. Use a rubber spatula to fold it all together. Feel free to top with a little extra cheese if you'd like, then top with bacon.

Step 13

Bake on center rack at 350 F for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.