How to Make the BEST White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Kale and Bacon

how to make

GOOD LIFE EATS Get the Recipe

[{"selector":"#anim-efce0f83-848b-4648-a5c7-7d3b117156c4","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.06)","scale(0.994)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":500,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":3}] This Baked White Cheddar Mac n Cheese with Kale and Bacon is pure comfort food. The macaroni noodles are coated in a creamy cheese sauce that is loaded with sharp white cheddar cheese and fresh parmesan. Let’s get started! Get the Recipe!

Chopped kale, bacon, and a crunchy garlicky breadcrumb topping are added to round out this delicious baked mac and cheese recipe. Gluten-free substitutions for this white cheddar mac and cheese are included in the post. Get the Recipe!

cook the pasta

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DRAIN

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CUT

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BACON TIME

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MELT

[{"selector":"#anim-a5e46227-c283-42e9-81cd-a4f6537d09b9","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-138.40304%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-590a8dfb-ba4a-4a7e-a5a6-05ee7283ae1d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-44da5018-9468-40e3-be0f-f01cc013aed6","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.15)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] 5. Get the Recipe

SAUTE

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ADD

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WHISK

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ADD THE MILK

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CHEESE IT UP

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SPICE IT UP

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SIMMER

[{"selector":"#anim-3bc8f327-09b6-40e7-878b-f5bf4ffc16a3","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-141.32231%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b541415e-ffcf-4c43-8fef-f994640f8a70","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d42f4ba2-c362-4e70-938c-22ad1ed15b33","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.15)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] 12. Get the Recipe

TRANSFER

[{"selector":"#anim-8b8a6693-a8ba-4180-8baa-d2cea8932518","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-146.51162%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a1f64221-61c9-41d9-997b-8acb19fa2035","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-30065096-074c-45f0-adbb-425c8cd8d418","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.15)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] 13. Get the Recipe

SPRINKLE

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BAKE

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SERVE

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how to make

Best White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (with Kale and Bacon!)

cook the pasta

Cook pasta one to two minutes less than package instructions.

DRAIN

Drain pasta and set aside.

CUT

Meanwhile, cut the bacon pieces in half vertically, then into small bite sized pieces.

BACON TIME

Cook bacon until crispy. Then drain, and set aside.

MELT

In a large French or Dutch oven, melt the butter.

SAUTE

1. Saute the onion for 3 - 5 minutes over medium heat, or until tender and golden.

ADD

Add the garlic and saute and additional minute or two, until fragrant.

WHISK

Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat till golden.

ADD THE MILK

Slowly whisk in the milk while cooking over medium heat.

CHEESE IT UP

Pour the 3-4 cups water into the pot (water should reach mid way point of the beef).

SPICE IT UP

Add the nutmeg, cayenne, black pepper, and salt (if desired).

SIMMER

Bring to a slow simmer, and then stir in the pasta, bacon, and kale.

TRANSFER

Transfer the pasta mixture to a 3 1/2 quart oven safe casserole dish or cast iron pan.

SPRINKLE

Sprinkle the top with the crushed Homemade Sourdough Garlic Butter Croutons.

BAKE

Bake at 375 degrees F on the center rack in the oven for 10-20 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly.

SERVE

Serve immediately.

Read More:

Best White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (with Kale and Bacon!)

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