One-Pot BLT Mac & Cheese
1. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all the fat from the pot and wipe out any remainder with a paper towel.
2. Bring broth and milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in pasta and cook according to package directions until tender, stirring frequently. DO NOT DRAIN. During last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in tomatoes and all but 1/4 cup of the cooked bacon.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add cheeses; stir constantly until melted. Stir in spinach; let stand 5 minutes for sauce to thicken and spinach to wilt. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with reserved spinach leaves and 1/4 cup bacon.
VARIATION: For Baked Mac & Cheese preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare recipe as directed, then transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch pan. Sprinkle an additional 4 oz. Cheddar on top, followed by 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs. Bake, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes until cheese and panko are golden brown. Garnish with reserved spinach leaves and bacon.
Tip: Save any drained tomato juices not used in recipe to flavor other dishes, thin sauces and more. Store juices in a separate closed container 2 days in the refrigerator, or 2 months in the freezer. Tomato juices can be used in sauces, roasts, soups, stews, braises, beverages, slow cooker dishes, chili, grains, beans and more.
Directions
1. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all the fat from the pot and wipe out any remainder with a paper towel.
2. Bring broth and milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in pasta and cook according to package directions until tender, stirring frequently. DO NOT DRAIN. During last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in tomatoes and all but 1/4 cup of the cooked bacon.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add cheeses; stir constantly until melted. Stir in spinach; let stand 5 minutes for sauce to thicken and spinach to wilt. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with reserved spinach leaves and 1/4 cup bacon.
VARIATION: For Baked Mac & Cheese preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare recipe as directed, then transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch pan. Sprinkle an additional 4 oz. Cheddar on top, followed by 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs. Bake, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes until cheese and panko are golden brown. Garnish with reserved spinach leaves and bacon.
Tip: Save any drained tomato juices not used in recipe to flavor other dishes, thin sauces and more. Store juices in a separate closed container 2 days in the refrigerator, or 2 months in the freezer. Tomato juices can be used in sauces, roasts, soups, stews, braises, beverages, slow cooker dishes, chili, grains, beans and more.
