Lynn's Luxe Mac 'n Cheese

Hi all,

This is not your ordinary Mac 'n Cheese. You could easily make this and a big green salad and it would make a delicious lunch or light dinner that would serve 4, but with no leftovers. Some of the ingredients you may not have on hand so be sure to read the ingredient list before you start this recipe. This recipe was adapted from a Sunset recipe.

Preheat oven to broil.

12 ounces elbow macaroni

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook according to package directions. Make sure not to overcook the elbows. Drain pasta in colander

3 strips bacon

While pasta cooks. Fry bacon in medium frying pan until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon to paper towels, chop bacon and reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.

Reserved bacon fat
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 chopped herbs (tarragon, parsley, chives, and/or rosemary)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup brie cut into chunks
1/2 cup cream cheese cut into chunks

Using the warm pasta pot, mix the above ingredients, warm pasta, and bacon. Salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into 4 separate 1.5 cup oven proof cups or an oven proof serving casserole.

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese onto the pasta and cheese mixture.

1/2 cup plain bread crumbs (fresh if you have them)
1 tablespoon melted butter

Mix the bread crumbs and butter together. Sprinkle evenly over cheese. Broil until golden and bubbling.

I think the last time I made this I used a mix of herbs from the window box herb garden. The mac 'n cheese would probably be good with just fresh parsley if that's all you had on hand, although with the mix of herbs it would really be more luxe.

Hope this works out for you!

Hugs,
Mameekosan