I’m not a fan of blue cheese. Let’s just start right there. It’s smelly and doesn’t look very appealing either. But I love macaroni and cheese!
When my co-worker (read = boss) took a few of us out for lunch a few weeks ago she let me try her blue cheese macaroni and cheese dish at Tyler’s Restaurant and Taproom. It had me so enthralled that I thought about how to make it the rest of the week and tried my hand at it as soon as the weekend arrived. I even made it again two nights ago. It’s just that good!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cook bacon in the oven on top of a cooling rack inside of a pan (see below) for ~18 minutes (timing depends on type of bacon and oven).
- While the bacon is cooking cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Set aside to drain upon completion.
- Add milk to a pan and allow to heat gently, careful not to scorch.
- In a separate pan add the butter until melting on low/medium heat.
- Add the flour to the butter, stirring to combine.
- As the mixture begins to thicken add the milk while stirring.
- Turn off heat after the mixture has thickened, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cheeses to the mixture, stir until combined.
- Upon removing the bacon from the oven reduce the temperature to 350 degrees.
Be sure to talk to your child(ren) about the stove/oven, hot surfaces and dishes and how to handle them if you’re planning to let them help in the kitchen. See Madison’s (2.5 years old) hand placement and technique below.
- Add pasta and chopped bacon and mix until combined.
- Pour mixture into a lightly oiled cast iron pan.
- Add dried basil and torn bread to a mixer to “crumble.
- Sprinkle on top of mixture.
- Bake for 45 – 60 minutes in preheated oven, or until top is golden brown.
Happy Eating!
How did I miss this?! This looks very yummy (minus the blue cheese)!! Who knew you used regular cheese too. I just might be able to make this…but this would be a recipe that I would be eating all alone. I don't think this would make the cut for homeboy…it's carb city!!! AND I think it's awesome that Madison cooks! She'll be a beast before she even leaves for college!