How to Make Bacon, Leek, and Tomato Macaroni and Cheese - A Step-by-Step Guide

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been delighting people of all ages for generations. While the traditional recipe is a simple and satisfying dish on its own, there are endless variations and additions that can take this comforting classic to a whole new level. One such variation is the irresistible combination of bacon, leek, and tomato, which adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor to the creamy and cheesy macaroni.

For those who love the rich and smoky taste of...

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Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • 8 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
  • 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
  • 1 (8 ounce) package sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated, or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large leek
  • 3 large plum tomatoes

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Bring water to a boil in an 8-quart stockpot.
  • Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add macaroni, Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the boiling water. Cover and let simmer vigorously for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While the macaroni mixture cooks, trim dark green parts off leek and discard. Slice leek in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Place in a bowl of cold water and swish to remove dirt. Drain leek and stir into the macaroni mixture.
  • Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender and sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Remove cores and scrape out seeds. Dice tomatoes; reserve 1/4 cup for garnish. Remove stockpot from heat; stir in remaining tomatoes and 1/2 of the bacon. Spoon macaroni into a serving bowl and garnish with remaining bacon and reserved tomatoes. Serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    642 cal.

    • Total Fat: 29g
    • Saturated Fat: 16g
    • Cholesterol: 86mg
    • Sodium: 1965mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 63g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 31g
    • Vitamin C: 8mg
    • Calcium: 484mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 447mg