Sunday, August 31, 2014

Gluten Free Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

I don't know why I never realized what a wonderful pair bacon and macaroni and cheese are...but I finally figured that out.  My family has always loved my macaroni and cheese with a crumb topping, but this Gluten Free version with the addition of Bacon has made this dish an off the charts super star dish.  Gluten free elbow pasta becomes a creamy, cheesy delight, mingled with bites of bacon and a crispy, gluten free crumb topping.  This dish was really comfort food at it's best!
Gluten Free Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

I used a brown rice elbow pasta, which I watched closely so it was cooked to perfection.  If you cook brown rice pasta too long it turns to mush, so you don't want to leave this unattended for too long.  If cooked just right, you won't even tell the difference in this dish from semolina pasta.  I actually found a great gluten free bread crumb mix that had Parmesan cheese in it and Italian seasonings, and it was the perfect topping to this Gluten Free Bacon Macaroni and Cheese.  If you can't find a gluten free seasoned bread crumb, just make your own by toasting a piece of gluten free bread really well, then grind it to crumbs in a food processor and mix with Italian seasoning, salt and if you wish, some grated Parmesan cheese.

GLUTEN FREE BACON MACARONI AND CHEESE
Recipe from: Goodies Gone Gluten Free
Adapted from: Taste of Home
Yield: 6 servings
click here for Printable Recipe

1 1/2 cups uncooked gluten free elbow macaroni
5 Tbsp., butter divided
3 Tbsp. gluten free all-purpose flour
1 2/3 cup milk
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
2 ounces process American cheese, cubed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4-5 slices of bacon (I like to use no Nitrate bacon) chopped or torn into pieces
2 Tbsp. dry gluten free bread crumbs (Italian Style, seasoned)

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain; set aside.  In a saucepan, melt 4 Tbsp. of butter over medium heat.  Stir in flour until smooth.  Gradually add milk; bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes; reduce heat.  Stir in cheeses, salt and pepper until cheese is melted.  Pour over macaroni; mix well.  Stir in bacon.  Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs; Sprinkle over casserole.  Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Gluten Free Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

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