Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Breadcrumbs – The Ultimate Comfort Food

When you’re craving a warm, cheesy dish that feels like a big hug, Mac and Cheese is always the answer. But what if you could elevate this comfort food by adding crispy bacon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and crunchy breadcrumbs? 😍 Yes, please!

This Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Breadcrumbs is a delicious twist on the classic. The creamy, cheesy sauce, paired with smoky bacon, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, creates a flavor explosion with every bite. Ready to take your mac and cheese game to the next level? Let’s dive in! 🔥

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Creamy & Cheesy – Perfectly smooth cheese sauce with a rich, comforting texture.

✅ Crispy Bacon – Smoky, crunchy bacon that adds savory goodness to every bite.

✅ Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasted to perfection with a slight caramelization, balancing the rich cheese sauce.

✅ Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping – Golden, buttery breadcrumbs that give a delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy dinner, holiday meal, or potluck, this dish is a guaranteed hit!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Breadcrumbs:

For the Mac and Cheese:

🧀 2 cups elbow macaroni – Classic pasta that holds the cheese sauce perfectly.

🥦 1 lb Brussels sprouts – Trimmed and halved for roasting.

🥓 6 slices of bacon – Crispy, crunchy bacon adds that irresistible savory flavor.

🧈 2 tbsp butter – For the base of the cheese sauce and adding richness.

🥛 2 cups whole milk – Use for the creamy cheese sauce. You can substitute with heavy cream for extra richness.

🧀 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Adds the perfect melt and sharpness.

🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For extra gooeyness and creaminess.

🧂 Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning.

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

🍞 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Light and crunchy for the topping.

🧈 2 tbsp melted butter – Helps the breadcrumbs get golden and crispy.

🧄 1 tsp garlic powder – Optional, but adds extra flavor to the topping.

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

✔️ Dairy-Free – Swap the milk with almond milk and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

✔️ Extra Veggies – Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more veggie goodness!

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 🕒

2️⃣ Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 🍴

3️⃣ Arrange the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are crispy and caramelized. 🌱

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t crowd the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet—give them room to roast and get crispy!

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🧀 Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. 🍝

2️⃣ You can drizzle a little olive oil over the cooked pasta to prevent it from sticking.

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🥓 Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1️⃣ In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. 🥓

2️⃣ Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and drain on a paper towel.

3️⃣ Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Save some bacon fat in the pan—it’ll add great flavor to the cheese sauce!

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🔥 Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

1️⃣ In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2️⃣ Add 2 tbsp of the bacon fat (optional) for extra flavor! Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

3️⃣ Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. 🥄

4️⃣ Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

5️⃣ Add in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth and melted. 🧀

6️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese!

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🧑‍🍳 Step 5: Combine It All

1️⃣ Once the cheese sauce is ready, toss the cooked pasta, roasted Brussels sprouts, and crumbled bacon together in a large mixing bowl. 🍴

2️⃣ Pour the cheesy sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep some Brussels sprouts and bacon aside for garnish if you want extra topping!

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🥖 Step 6: Add the Breadcrumb Topping

1️⃣ In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and garlic powder.

2️⃣ Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

3️⃣ For a golden, crispy topping, place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn! 🔥

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Breadcrumbs is perfect on its own, but here are some fun serving ideas:

🍗 As a Main Dish – Serve it as the main event with a simple side salad or roasted veggies.

🍞 With Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping in the cheesy goodness.

🌿 With Fresh Herbs – Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness!

🥗 Pair with a Side Salad – A simple green salad will balance the richness of the mac and cheese.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 🧀
• For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat in short bursts (1 minute at a time) to keep it from drying out.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: For that fresh, crispy topping, broil it for a couple of minutes before serving!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make the mac and cheese a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake just before serving. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

2️⃣ Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?

Frozen Brussels sprouts can work, but fresh ones will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to roast them properly to avoid sogginess!

3️⃣ Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth in the cheese sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.

4️⃣ What Other Cheese Can I Use?

While cheddar and mozzarella are the classic choices, you can also experiment with Gouda, Parmesan, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile!

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🍽️ Conclusion – The Ultimate Comfort Food! 🧀

Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Breadcrumbs is the perfect comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress. 🍝 With its creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and caramelized Brussels sprouts, it’s a dish that combines savory, smoky, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this dish will be the star of the meal.

Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this elevated mac and cheese! 😋🔥