BLT Mac and Cheese
Recipe GLPR20ceaaa8fa20b6
This creative twist on classic mac and cheese brings together all the flavors of a BLT sandwich wrapped in tender butter lettuce leaves. Creamy, rich cheese sauce coats tender elbow pasta, then the mixture is served on crisp lettuce leaves and topped with crispy bacon and fresh diced tomatoes. Perfect as a fun, interactive main course or side dish that combines comfort food with fresh vegetables.
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Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/4 cup salted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
12 ounces cooked bacon, crumbled
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Return the empty pot to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, about 1-2 minutes.
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the flour over it and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux, allowing the mixture to cook through without browning.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Add the cubed cream cheese to the milk mixture and continue whisking until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should simmer gently.
Remove the pot from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
To serve, arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a large platter or individual plates. Spoon a generous portion of the mac and cheese onto each lettuce leaf.
Top each portion with crumbled bacon and diced tomato. Fold the lettuce leaf around the filling or eat it as a wrap with your hands, BLT-style.
