One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings everyone to the table, this One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese is just the ticket! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor while being lightened up enough to enjoy guilt-free. This dish has become a family favorite of mine because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this recipe will have your loved ones asking for seconds!

What makes this One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese so special is how all the ingredients come together in one pot—making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies! Trust me; this comfort food is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: No one likes doing dishes after dinner! This recipe saves time on cleanup by cooking everything in one pot.
• Family-Friendly: With crispy bacon and creamy cheese, even picky eaters will love this dish!
• Quick Prep: In just 35 minutes, you can serve up a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
• Nutrient-Rich: Whole wheat pasta and broccoli add fiber and vitamins, making this mac and cheese not only tasty but nutritious too.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish. These items are easy to find and come together to create something truly special.

For the Base

• 8 slices uncooked center cut bacon (chopped)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons light butter (I use Land O’Lakes light butter spread with canola oil)
• 1 ½ cups skim milk
• 2 ½ cups water

For the Pasta and Veggies

• 12 oz dry whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 3 ½ cups broccoli florets

For the Cheese

• 6 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (shredded (I use Cabot))

Variations

This One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to mix it up based on what you have at home or what flavors you love!

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try mixing in different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Use Turkey Bacon: If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon works beautifully here.
• Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you like a bit of heat in your mac and cheese!

How to Make One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by placing the chopped bacon in a 5 QT Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Cook it until it’s crispy, stirring occasionally. This step adds amazing flavor to your dish! Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and discard any excess grease. Don’t forget to wipe out the bottom of the pot; we want that delicious bacon flavor without any burnt bits!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and flour. Add the light butter into your pot over medium heat until melted. Gradually whisk in your flour mixture until smooth. Slowly add the skim milk while whisking continuously until everything is well combined. Finally, pour in the water and scrape up any leftover bits from cooking the bacon—this adds extra flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Increase heat to medium-high and bring your sauce mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and add in the whole wheat elbow macaroni. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly so it doesn’t stick. This ensures that everything cooks evenly while absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Microwave the Broccoli

While your pasta cooks, take a microwave-safe bowl with broccoli florets covered by a damp paper towel and microwave them on high for about 2 minutes. This will soften them just enough to keep their bright color and crunch—perfect for our mac and cheese!

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Once your pasta is cooked through, reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Then add back in those beautiful broccoli florets along with your crispy bacon pieces. Stir everything together until well combined. And just like that—you’ve created an incredible dish that’s ready to serve!

Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Making this One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use quality cheese: Opt for a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. It melts beautifully and provides that rich, creamy texture we all love in mac and cheese.
• Cook the broccoli just right: Microwave the broccoli until it’s bright green and slightly tender. This ensures it retains its vibrant color and crispness, adding not just nutrition but also a delightful crunch to your dish.
• Stir frequently: Stirring the macaroni while it cooks helps prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This ensures an even cook throughout and keeps your sauce smooth and creamy.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the salt and pepper based on your personal preference. A little extra seasoning can elevate the overall flavor profile of your mac and cheese.
• Add more veggies: If you’re looking to pack in more nutrients, consider adding other vegetables like spinach or peas. They blend well with the flavors and make this dish even healthier!

How to Serve One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Serving this comforting dish can be as simple or as elaborate as you like! Here are some ideas to present it beautifully at your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a few red pepper flakes on top can give an exciting kick.
• Grated parmesan cheese: A light dusting of grated parmesan on top before serving enhances the cheesy flavor even more.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A refreshing garden salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich mac and cheese, balancing out the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is an excellent side that complements the creamy pasta beautifully while providing a satisfying crunch.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a nutritious touch to your plate. Their mild flavor works well alongside the richness of mac and cheese.
• Sauteed Zucchini: Quick sautéed zucchini seasoned with herbs offers a deliciously light contrast to the hearty pasta dish, making it a great side option.

Enjoying this One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese with these garnishes and sides will elevate your dining experience! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for delicious weeknight dinners or lunches.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool down completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and stir until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. The dish will still be rich and comforting.

How do I make One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the whole wheat elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure that your flour is also certified gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

Yes! Feel free to get creative by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything remains tender.

How can I make One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese healthier?

You can lighten this dish further by using reduced-fat cheese or adding more broccoli. Whole grain pasta is already a great choice!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese as much as I do! It’s such a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort to any meal. This recipe is not just easy but is also perfect for busy families looking for something wholesome yet satisfying. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen. Happy cooking!