WHAT’S COOKING: Curly mac and cheese with bacon and blue cheese
Cavatappi are spirals of macaroni, sometimes called ‘curly mac’, and have a texture that I think adds something to good old mac and cheese. I love bacon in this family favourite – and this time I added blue cheese too.
Curly mac and cheese with bacon and blue cheese is a delicious twist on the classic family favourite. The spirals of cavatappi macaroni provide a pleasing texture to this hearty dish. Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavour, while blue cheese brings a sharp, pungent taste that elevates the dish to new heights.
Start by cooking the cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. In a separate pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add chopped bacon bits and fry until crispy before stirring into the onion mixture.
While the onion, bacon and garlic cook, make the cheese béchamel sauce. Melt butter in a pot, then whisk in flour. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in grated Cheddar cheese, then blue cheese and let melt together. Season with salt and white pepper.
Transfer the cheese sauce to a greased oven dish, then add the cooked cavatappi pasta. Top with more grated Cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated 180°C oven for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let the dish rest for 20 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and hold together.
This rich, cheesy mac and cheese with bacon and blue cheese is sure to become a new family favourite. Serve it simply with a simple side salad if desired, or enjoy it on its own. The combination of creamy béchamel, smoky bacon, salty bacon, and sharp blue cheese creates an unforgettable culinary experience.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
