If you are craving comfort food with a delightful twist, this BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. It combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the smoky crunch of bacon and the fresh, juicy punch of cherry tomatoes. This dish brings both nostalgia and excitement in every forkful, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where you want something cozy yet vibrant. The addition of turmeric adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color, enhancing both the flavor profile and the appearance of this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony between creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. These essentials ensure every bite bursts with satisfying texture and color, making the preparation as joyful as the eating.
- Bacon (4 slices): Choose either real or vegetarian bacon for smoky crunch that elevates the dish.
- Fusilli pasta (12oz): Spiral-shaped pasta holds the cheese sauce perfectly in its twists and turns.
- Milk (2 1/4 cups): Provides the creamy base that blends everything together with a smooth finish.
- Cream cheese (6oz): Adds richness and a silky texture to the cheese sauce.
- Shredded orange cheddar cheese (2 cups): Offers sharpness and vibrant color, the heart of the mac and cheese flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes (6oz): Brings a burst of sweetness and freshness with every bite.
- Turmeric (1/2 tsp): Infuses a subtle earthiness and gorgeous golden hue to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all the flavors.
- Your favorite lettuce: For a crisp side salad to complement the creamy pasta.
How to Make BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 374 degrees. Cook the bacon according to your preference: real bacon gets fried in a skillet until perfectly crispy, while vegetarian bacon can be quickly heated in the microwave. Once done, chop the bacon into 1-inch pieces — this ensures every bite gets a wonderful crunch without overwhelming the softness of the pasta.
Step 2: Quarter the Cherry Tomatoes
While the bacon cooks, wash and quarter your cherry tomatoes. These juicy bursts of flavor will add a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cheese sauce later on.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Nearly Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook it just shy of al dente. Slightly undercooking is key here because the pasta will continue to bake and soak up flavors in the oven, resulting in perfectly tender spirals.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Drain the pasta and return the pot to medium heat. Pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the turmeric and a pinch of pepper to gently season and brighten the sauce. Next, stir in the cream cheese until you get a silky smooth mixture — this step is what brings that ultimate creamy texture to the dish.
Step 5: Add Cheddar and Combine
Slowly fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and mixed in. Then, fold the cooked pasta, bacon pieces, and quartered cherry tomatoes into the cheesy mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer everything into a 9-by-13 inch casserole dish and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the dish is heated through and bubbling slightly. This final bake melds all the flavors and tissues beautifully into a warm, inviting meal ready to wow any crowd.
How to Serve BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Top the BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra crispy bacon bits never hurts either — they bring an addictive crunch right on top!
Side Dishes
This mac ‘n’ cheese really shines when paired with a crisp, bright side salad featuring your favorite lettuce. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed green beans to add some variety and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. This personal touch makes the dish feel special and perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. For a fun twist, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an irresistible golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe leftovers taste just as good the next day. Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner restart!
Freezing
You can freeze this mac ‘n’ cheese for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags to keep the flavors locked in. To avoid texture issues, consider undercooking the pasta slightly if freezing right after cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the creamy consistency perfect.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli is great for holding the cheesy sauce in its twists, other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne work just as well.
Is it necessary to use turmeric in the recipe?
Turmeric adds a subtle earthy flavor and gives the cheese sauce a lovely golden color, but if you don’t have it on hand, feel free to leave it out — the dish will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap real bacon for vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether and maybe add smoked paprika or mushrooms for that smoky umami flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe is mild, with no heat from spices. You can add some cracked black pepper or chili flakes if you want a little kick.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about the BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe that makes it a go-to for cozy meals and happy gatherings. The blend of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh tomato is pure magic that you just have to taste to believe. Trust me, once you try making this, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection where it belongs.
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BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese. Combining creamy cheddar and cream cheese, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of turmeric for subtle warmth, it’s baked to perfection for a satisfying meal. Served with a fresh side salad, this dish makes a delightful dinner that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon (vegetarian or real)
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded orange cheddar cheese
- 6 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Side
- Your favorite lettuce for side salad (such as salad bowl plant)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Bacon: Preheat the oven to 374°F. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet if using real bacon, or heat the vegetarian bacon in the microwave until crisp. Once cooked, cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Quarter the cherry tomatoes and set them aside for later incorporation.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook until almost al dente, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Heat Milk and Season: In the same pot used for pasta, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the turmeric for color and a subtle flavor, and add a pinch of black pepper to season.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir the cream cheese into the simmering milk until it’s fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy base.
- Melt Cheddar Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded orange cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the drained pasta to the cheese sauce pot. Add the cooked bacon pieces and quartered cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mac ’n’ cheese mixture to a 9-by-13 inch casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly bubbly on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot alongside a fresh lettuce side salad. Enjoy your BLT Mac ‘n’ Cheese!
Notes
- You can substitute vegetarian bacon for a plant-based option or real bacon for a richer flavor.
- Turmeric adds a nice color and subtle earthy flavor but can be adjusted to preference.
- Using a casserole dish helps the dish heat evenly and develop a nice baked texture.
- Adding fresh tomatoes after baking could make the dish more vibrant if preferred.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of pasta water to the cheese sauce before baking.
