This indulgent Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s loaded with creamy cheddar sauce, caramelized vegetables (onions, kale, and Brussels sprouts), and topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs for the perfect crunchy contrast. This recipe transforms the classic mac and cheese into something incredibly flavorful with a little extra texture and zest, thanks to the fresh vegetables and bacon.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 lb pasta (large shells or “conchiglioni”)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk, heated

  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • ½ lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • Minced chives, for garnish

• For the Vegetables & Bacon:

  • 6 oz raw bacon

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced

  • ½ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved, then thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

  • ½ lemon, juiced

  • 1 small bunch kale, stemmed and thinly sliced

• For the Bacon Breadcrumbs:

  • 4 oz fresh bread, cubed

  • Olive oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bacon:
   In a 5qt Dutch oven (or heavy-bottom pot), cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In the same pot, sauté the onions in the bacon fat over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until caramelized. Add the scallions and cook for another minute. Remove the mixture from the pot.

   • In the same pot, cook the Brussels sprouts until browned and tender, adding lemon zest and juice, then set aside.

   • Cook the kale briefly in the pot until wilted, then remove and set aside.

3. Make the Bacon Breadcrumbs:
   Pulse the bread and bacon in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the breadcrumbs over medium heat, stirring until golden and crisp. Set aside.

4. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil the pasta in salted water for 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the heated milk, bring to a simmer, and cook for 6 minutes until thickened. Stir in the cheddar until smooth.

6. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooked pasta and vegetables to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the mac and cheese with bacon breadcrumbs on top and a sprinkle of minced chives.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, makes 6 servings)

• Calories: ~600 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~50g

• Protein: ~24g

• Fat: ~35g

• Saturated Fat: ~15g

• Fiber: ~5g

Why Add Brussels Sprouts and Kale?

While traditional mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, the addition of Brussels sprouts and kale in this recipe adds a new layer of flavor and texture. Brussels sprouts, when cooked properly, have a mild, nutty flavor and a crispy edge that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese sauce. Their natural bitterness is balanced by the cheese and caramelized onions, making them a great complement to the other ingredients.

Kale, a leafy green with a slightly peppery taste, adds depth and freshness to the dish. It wilts into the sauce beautifully, adding both nutrition and texture without overpowering the creamy goodness of the mac and cheese. The vegetables also make this dish feel a bit lighter, which is especially welcome in a rich comfort food recipe like mac and cheese.

The Magic of Bacon Breadcrumbs

The crispy bacon breadcrumbs are what really take this mac and cheese to the next level. Bacon is a natural pairing with mac and cheese—its salty, smoky flavor complements the richness of the cheese sauce perfectly. By crisping up the bacon and mixing it with breadcrumbs, you get the perfect crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta and soft vegetables.

The bacon breadcrumbs also add another layer of flavor, with the smokiness from the bacon, the crunch from the breadcrumbs, and the richness from the oil used to cook them. This topping is not just a garnish—it’s an essential part of the dish that adds texture, flavor, and a satisfying crunch with every bite.

A Creamy, Flavorful Cheese Sauce

At the heart of every great mac and cheese is the cheese sauce, and in this recipe, the sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The base is made with butter, flour, and whole milk, which come together to create a smooth, velvety sauce. The addition of cream cheese helps to make the sauce even creamier, while the sharp cheddar cheese brings that signature cheesy flavor that everyone loves.

To make the cheese sauce, you’ll melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add the milk and cook until the sauce thickens. The key here is to let the sauce simmer long enough to achieve a rich, smooth consistency, but not so long that it becomes too thick. Once the sauce has thickened, the cheddar is stirred in, melting into the sauce and creating the creamy, cheesy base for the pasta.

The Pasta: Large Shells or Conchiglioni for Maximum Cheese Coating

For this recipe, large pasta shells (also known as conchiglioni) are the perfect choice. Their shape allows them to hold onto the cheese sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with cheesy goodness. The ridged texture of these shells helps the sauce cling to the pasta, making for a satisfying bite every time. Plus, the large size of the shells allows for a generous amount of cheese sauce and caramelized vegetables to be stuffed inside, creating a hearty dish that’s both filling and comforting.

Of course, if you can’t find large shells or prefer another type of pasta, feel free to substitute with elbow macaroni or another pasta shape of your choice. The key is to choose pasta that can hold up to the creamy sauce and the added vegetables.

Quick, Simple, and Delicious

One of the best things about Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is how easy it is to prepare. While the dish may seem like it requires a lot of steps, it actually comes together relatively quickly. Here’s why it’s so simple:

• The pasta cooks quickly: Pasta shells or conchiglioni cook in just a few minutes, and once the pasta is done, all that’s left is to toss it with the cheese sauce and vegetables.

• The vegetables are cooked in one pot: Caramelizing the onions, cooking the Brussels sprouts, and wilting the kale all happen in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze.

• The bacon breadcrumbs are easy to make: Simply pulse the bread and bacon in a food processor, then fry the mixture in a skillet for a few minutes until golden and crispy.

By organizing your cooking process and multitasking, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you want a quick, comforting meal.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs

This indulgent mac and cheese is satisfying enough to serve as a main dish, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With a Crisp Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, or arugula provides the perfect contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. The acidity of the dressing will balance out the creaminess of the cheese sauce.

• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots pair beautifully with the cheesy mac and cheese. Their sweetness and texture provide a nice counterpoint to the creamy sauce.

• With Garlic Bread: If you’re looking for something extra indulgent, serve the mac and cheese with a side of garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.

• With Grilled Chicken or Sausage: If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or sausage would be a great addition to the meal. The smoky flavor of the sausage or the char from the grilled chicken complements the creamy, cheesy pasta.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Comfort and Elegance

Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is the perfect combination of comfort food and elegance. The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender pasta are comforting, while the caramelized vegetables and crispy bacon breadcrumbs add sophistication and extra layers of flavor. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.

Whether you’re craving something indulgent or looking to impress guests with a flavorful twist on a classic, this dish delivers on both fronts. The richness of the cheese, the smokiness of the bacon, and the freshness of the vegetables make it a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion: A Cozy, Flavorful Twist on Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Breadcrumbs is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for chilly nights and casual get-togethers. The creamy cheddar sauce, combined with the richness of caramelized vegetables and crispy bacon breadcrumbs, transforms the classic mac and cheese into something truly special. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for mac and cheese, try this elevated version with Brussels sprouts and bacon breadcrumbs. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!