BLT Mac and Cheese

  • Prep 30 min
  • Total 1 hr 5 min
  • Servings 10

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf (32 oz. box) VELVEETA™ Original Cheese, cut into large cubes
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
  • 2 cups small cherry tomatoes
  • 1 bag (9 oz) fresh spinach
  • 1 lb bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
  • 1 cup Progresso™ plain or Italian-style panko crispy bread crumbs

Steps

  • 1
    In large microwavable bowl, place cheese cubes, butter and milk. Microwave uncovered on High 8 to 10 minutes. Stir with whisk; microwave on High 4 minutes longer. Stir again; repeat microwaving until all cheese is melted and mixture can be stirred smooth, a total of about 15 minutes.
  • 2
    Heat oven to 350°F. Cook macaroni in boiling salted water 3 minutes less than directed on box (macaroni should be firm). Drain; place in 15x10-inch (4-quart) glass baking dish. Pour melted cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Stir in shredded cheese, tomatoes and spinach.
  • 3
    Cover dish with foil; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle bacon and bread crumbs evenly over top. Bake 5 minutes longer or until top is lightly browned. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

  • A little chopped sautéed onion can be added for variety along with a little ground mustard.
  • The cheese sauce can also be melted in a saucepan on the stove in place of the microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
770
Calories from Fat
370
Total Fat
41g
63%
Saturated Fat
23g
114%
Trans Fat
1 1/2g
Cholesterol
135mg
46%
Sodium
2120mg
89%
Potassium
730mg
21%
Total Carbohydrate
64g
21%
Dietary Fiber
3g
13%
Sugars
17g
Protein
38g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
80%
80%
Vitamin C
10%
10%
Calcium
80%
80%
Iron
15%
15%
Exchanges:
2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 1 Milk; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 3 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
4
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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