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Bacon mac and cheese with sourdough crumble and Castello® cheese bake

Bacon mac and cheese with sourdough crumble and Castello® cheese bake

Cook 1 hr 4 servings

Our mac and cheese deluxe recipe is the epitome of gourmet meeting comfort food. With grated creamy cheese, sage, sourdough crumble, and bacon crisp, it is an explosion of flavours and textures. Whether you are a traditional mac and cheese lover or enjoy an innovative twist, prepare to be swept off your feet by this cheesy masterpiece.

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ingredients

Mac and Cheese

  • 120 g bacon
  • 20 g butter
  • 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
  • 50 g chopped sage leaves
  • 50 ml flour
  • 300 ml milk
  • 180 g Castello® Cheese Bake
  • 300 g macaroni

Sourdough crumble

  • 80 g Castello® Cheese Bake
  • 2 slices sourdough bread
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 handful of sage leaves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, line a baking sheet with paper, and then arrange bacon in a single, even layer.

2. Place the bacon in the oven and cook it until it becomes crispy and golden brown.

3. Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the package, then rinse it with cold water.

4. In a frying pan, fry finely chopped garlic and sage with butter.

5. Add flour to the pan and stir well, then gradually add milk until the mixture thickens.

6. Stir in cheese and the cooked macaroni.

7. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into four small ovenproof bowls.

8. Grate sourdough bread using a grater, then mix it with olive oil and fresh sage leaves.

9. Top the small ovenproof bowls with extra cheese and the sourdough crumble.

10. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 180°C until the cheese turns golden brown.

Serving

1. Top the mac and cheese with the bacon crumble, salt and fresh ground black pepper and enjoy the hot classic dish with a new twist.

Mac and cheese with bacon and sage topping

Discover a modern twist on a classic comfort dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the smokiness of bacon and the aromatic essence of sage. The interplay of gooey cheese, al dente macaroni, and the savoury hints of garlic evoke a dance of flavours in your mouth, making each bite an exploration of taste and texture. Looking for more cheesy recipes? Have a look at our classic Italian homemade lasagne and asparagus and potato puff pastry tart .

Make a delicious and crispy breadcrumb topping

Nothing elevates mac and cheese like a golden, crispy topping. Our sourdough crumble, seasoned with sage, salt, and pepper, offers a crusty contrast to the creamy pasta beneath. Infused with olive oil, it adds a light, toasty flavour, making the dish irresistibly crunchy on top, yet velvety and gooey below.

Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks

To determine if your mac and cheese is perfectly creamy, dip a spoon in; it should be thick enough to generously coat it without being overly runny. Keep a close eye on it during the final minutes of baking to ensure the topping gets a deep golden hue without getting charred.

  • What to serve with your mac and cheese?

    Consider serving it with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables on the side. A classic is also a side of steamed, boiled, or baked green beans. These additions provide a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.

  • How to store and reheat mac and cheese?

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 180°C. This allows the dish to regain its original warmth and creaminess.

  • What is in a good mac and cheese crumble topping?

    The ideal mac and cheese topping is something slightly crispy, adding a new dimension of textures. We opted for a combination of crispy sourdough crumble and oven-baked bacon. Their textures and flavours meld together and offer a delightful crunchiness and a smoky touch that enhances the creamy foundation of the dish.