Broccoli, Mac, and Cheese

(This was adapted from PioneerWoman’s “Fancy Macaroni” recipe).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta to al dente (according to package instructions for al dente). When pasta is finished, drain off the hot water, and add cool water to stop the cooking. Drain again. Set aside.

Boil another pot of water and add the broccoli. Cook until broccoli is done, but not mushy (from 4-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy. Then remove it from the pan, chop it and set aside. Reserve 1 teaspoon of bacon grease.

In a separate skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion, 4 tablespoons of butter, and the chopped garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent then remove from heat and set the mixture aside in a bowl.

In that same skillet, add 1 teaspoon of bacon grease and remaining 4 tablespoons of butter on medium heat. Add the flour, and whisk, stirring frequently. Add the milk, stirring as you go. Allow sauce to thicken, and reduce heat. (Make sure you are stirring during this process, as it could get lumpy).

Add your cheeses (I used a couple of small bags of my favorite cheeses), as well as the onion, and bacon pieces and salt and pepper to taste.

Add the broccoli to the drained pasta in a large mixing bowl and then add the cheese mixture. Stir to combine. Add the pasta to your favorite baking dish and sprinkle with as much Shake N’ Bake as you wish! (I love the flavor of extra crispy).

Pop in the oven for 20 minutes, or until Shake N’ Bake crumbs are slightly brown.

You could also add some chopped chicken to the dish to make it more ‘casserole’ like. It turns out beautifully as well!