Go Back
Print
Bacon and Kale Mac

Mac & Cheese with Kale & Bacon

Mac & Cheese grown up style. It's creamy and rich with a smoky bite.

Author Leslie

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, yellow, diced
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup colby jack, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups kale, chopped
  • 12 oz pasta, I used cellentani, cooked
  • 6 slices vegetarian bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. During the last couple of minutes, add the chopped kale. Drain the pasta/kale and set aside while you make the cheese sauce.

  2. Melt the butter and olive oil in a medium sized sauce pan. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.

  3. Add the cream cheese and half and half and whisk until the cream cheese is smooth. Add the milk, sharp cheddar and colby jack and whisk until the cheeses are melted. 

  4. Stir in the garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick. Pour the cheese sauce over the drained pasta and stir. 

  5. Scoop into bowls and top with extra cheese and the crumbled bacon. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes

If you want to get extra fancy, add the finished mac to a baking dish and top with a breaded topping. Pop in the oven to brown the topping and then serve.