Skillet Bacon and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese: The Ultimate Weeknight Family Meal
Skillet Bacon and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is more than just a dinner recipe; it’s a culinary triumph for busy weeknights! Combining convenience, incredible flavor, and wholesome ingredients, this dish promises to be a family favorite. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s designed to bring smiles to every face around the dinner table.
Why This Skillet Mac and Cheese Will Be Your New Go-To
As a parent, I understand the perpetual quest for meals that are both nutritious and enthusiastically devoured by even the pickiest eaters. If there’s one dish I can always count on my children not just eating, but truly savoring and leaving their bowls spotless, it’s macaroni and cheese. It stands as their number one request for lunch, and now, with this elevated skillet version, it’s a request I can happily fulfill for dinner, knowing they’re getting more than just a cheesy treat.
Our secret weapon for a quick, quality base? Horizon® Mac & Cheese. It has become a permanent fixture in our pantry, streamlining meal prep without compromising on taste or quality. This commitment to organic ingredients ensures that even on the busiest evenings, we’re serving something wholesome and delicious.
The Horizon Difference: Organic Goodness for Busy Lives
What makes Horizon Mac & Cheese such an excellent choice for this recipe, and for families in general? It’s crafted with organic pasta and organic cheeses, providing a foundational flavor that’s both comforting and superior. When life gets hectic, the last thing you want to worry about is the quality of your ingredients. Horizon takes that worry away, offering a reliable, delicious, and organic option that kids love and parents can feel good about. But don’t let the “kid-friendly” label fool you – this dish isn’t just for lunchboxes or children’s palates. After my boys gave it their enthusiastic seal of approval, I decided to transform it into a more robust, dinner-worthy creation: Skillet Bacon Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese. The results were nothing short of a resounding success!
The Magic of Skillet Cooking and a Crispy Topping
I confess, I’m a firm believer in the power of skillet cooking. There’s something inherently appealing about a dish that transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, and then directly to the table for serving. A beautiful cast-iron skillet can elevate even the most everyday meal into something special and visually inviting. For this mac and cheese masterpiece, I crowned the rich, creamy pasta, tender broccoli, and savory bacon with a golden panko-Parmesan crust. This topping achieves a beautiful, irresistible crispness quickly in the oven, adding a delightful textural contrast that truly completes the dish.
That added crunch might just be my favorite part. Well, besides the smoky bacon, and of course, the incredibly creamy macaroni and cheese itself!
A Meal in Itself: Nutritious and Delicious
What truly makes this skillet recipe a comprehensive meal is the generous amount of broccoli packed into every bite. I purposefully included a substantial portion of crisp-tender florets, and to my delight, the boys didn’t leave a single speck in their bowls. This, in my book, is the ultimate measure of success for any family dinner. This recipe proved to be the perfect energizer one evening before basketball practice, providing sustained fuel that kept their spirits high and their bodies ready for activity. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in extra vegetables without any complaints!
Print
Pin
Skillet Bacon and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Horizon® Macaroni & Mild Cheddar Cheese (approx. 12 oz each)
- 1/2 cup Horizon Organic® Milk
- 4 tbsp Horizon Organic® Butter
- 12 oz broccoli florets cooked to crisp-tender
- 1/2 lb bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 shallot diced
Topping
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tbls butter melted
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the Horizon Mac & Cheese according to the package instructions, using Horizon Organic Milk and Butter for the best flavor. Set aside once complete.
-
Meanwhile, in a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron), cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
-
Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
-
Carefully drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet. This retains flavor while preventing the dish from becoming overly greasy.
-
Add the diced shallot to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
-
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir in the crisp-tender broccoli florets, ensuring they are well distributed.
-
Gently fold in the prepared Horizon Mac & Cheese with the bacon, broccoli, and shallots. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
-
In a small separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the panko is evenly coated. This creates the irresistible crispy topping.
-
Evenly sprinkle the panko-Parmesan topping over the mac and cheese mixture in the skillet.
-
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and crispy, and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
-
Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Mac and Cheese
Creating this irresistible Skillet Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. Cook it until truly crispy, as this adds a wonderful crunch against the creamy mac and cheese. Don’t discard all the rendered fat; a tablespoon forms the perfect base for sautéing the shallots, infusing the dish with extra smoky goodness.
- Broccoli Preparation: Steam or lightly blanch your broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender. They should still have a slight bite and vibrant green color. Overcooked, mushy broccoli won’t be as appealing.
- Shallot vs. Onion: While you can use a regular onion, shallots offer a more delicate, sweeter, and less pungent flavor, which really shines in this dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
- The Panko Power: Panko breadcrumbs are key for that extra crispy topping. Their flaky texture gets much crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Mixing them with melted butter and Parmesan ensures a golden, crunchy layer that you’ll adore.
- Don’t Overbake: The goal is a bubbly interior and a golden-brown topping. Since the mac and cheese is already cooked, you’re mostly just heating it through and crisping the topping. Keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.
- Serving: This dish is best served fresh from the oven, allowing everyone to enjoy the warmth and the irresistible crust.
Variations to Customize Your Skillet Masterpiece
While the classic Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a winner, feel free to get creative and customize it to your family’s preferences:
- Add More Veggies: Spinach, peas, diced bell peppers, or even roasted butternut squash can be wonderful additions. Just make sure to pre-cook tougher vegetables like squash or carrots.
- Protein Boost: Enhance the meal with leftover cooked chicken, shredded ham, or even some crumbled sausage.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses in your topping or mixed into the mac and cheese itself. Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, smoked Gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add new dimensions of flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the mac and cheese or topping can add a subtle kick.
- Herbaceous Notes: Fresh chives, parsley, or thyme can brighten the flavors.
Cooking Made Easy: Discover the Horizon MAC-N-ATOR™
If you often find yourself staring into the refrigerator, wondering what to whip up for dinner with the ingredients you have on hand, then you’ll love this ingenious tool. Make sure to check out the Horizon MAC-N-ATOR™. This incredible online tool is designed to spark your culinary creativity, helping you generate delicious recipes based on the ingredients you already have. It’s a game-changer for meal planning and reducing food waste. You’ll love its simplicity and the amazing ideas it provides!
Enjoy Horizon Mac & Cheese as a versatile and reliable base for your family meals. Its classic taste and organic quality ensure satisfaction every time. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and protein combinations to promote alternative uses of Horizon products, or simply let your imagination take the lead in the kitchen!
Horizon Organic: A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Horizon is a true pioneer in the organic industry, setting standards and leading the way in sustainable practices. Every decision they make, from sourcing ingredients to packaging, is carefully considered with National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines in mind. Horizon Mac & Cheese is a testament to this commitment, crafted not only with these stringent guidelines but also with the happiness and well-being of your family at its core. For more detailed information on Horizon’s organic philosophy, products, and commitment, visit Horizon’s website. Explore their full range of organic dairy and food products, and discover more about how they bring wholesome, delicious options to your table.
This conversation is sponsored by Horizon. The opinions and text are all mine, reflecting my genuine experience and appreciation for their products.
Connect with me and join the conversation!
You can also find me linking up at some of these fantastic blogging parties.