Bistro Mac'N'Cheese

This recipe doesn't have bacon, but this made me laugh pretty hard.  My youngest daughter requested breakfast for dinner tonight, so I was frying up some bacon.  My 7 year old son wanders up, looks in the pan, and says, "Mom, I love to watch the bacon dance."

"The bacon dance, hih?  What exactly does that look like?"

He plops down on the ground face-first with his arms to the side and starts shaking and twitching like a worm trying to escape rain.

There you have it folks... the bacon dance.  It's a thing.  Bacon would be an excellent addition to this tasty dish, although I didn't add any in.  This stuff is pure gold on its own.  My husband took a bite and told me that he was having a love affair with it.  I've been demoted.  The Gargonzola has a very strong flavor, so if you don't like the taste of it, leave it out!  You can just add more mozzarella or cheddar.  More cheese, please!

Enjoy this quick, tasty dish.  I've made it three times already since I first  found the recipe, and that it saying something!  You'll love it!


Bistro Mac'n'cheese
Recipe and photo source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/bistro-mac---cheese

8 servings
Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
16 oz. elbow macaroni
5 T butter, divided
3 T flour
2 1/2 c milk
1 t salt
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t pepper
1/4 t garlic powder
1 c mozzarella cheese
1/2 c crumbled Gargonzola (omit if you don't like the flavor of this cheese)
3 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the directions on the package.  Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt 3 T butter over low heat.  Stir in flour until it's smooth.  Slowly whisk in the milk and seasonings.  Bring this to a boil.  You may need to increase the heat to medium but no higher.  Once boiling, cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened.

Turn heat to low.  Add the mozzarella, Gargonzola, and cream cheese.  Stir until melted.  Stir in the sour cream.  Add the drained pasta and toss to coat.

Optional:

In a small pan, melt remaining 2 T of butter over medium heat.  Add the breadcrumbs, cook, and stir until golden brown.  Take off of heat.

Pour the macaroni and cheese into a serving dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.