BLT Mac and Cheese

Name: BLT Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 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

21 Ratings

20 Reviews

Prep 30 min
Total 1 hr 5 min
Servings 10

When creamy mac-n-cheese meets the BLT-inspired ingredients of savory bacon, spinach and tomato, the end result is an all-new American classic.

By Arlene Cummings

Updated September 9, 2016

Make With

Progresso Breadcrumbs

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;