Comforting Mac ‘n Cheese

20 min

4 servings

Thank you, Marie-Pier Lupien, for this recipe. While winter is doing its thing, assemble the ultimate winter survival kit—your coziest blanket and a hot bowl of mac ‘n cheese. It’s cheesy, creamy, and decadent, but still light enough that it won’t put you in a post-feast slump.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups bite-size pasta, your choice
  • 4–6 slices bacon
  • 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
  • 1⁄4 cup water
  • 2–4 tbsp cheese spread, such as Velveeta® or Cheez Whiz®, optional
  • 1 pkg Mac & Cheese Seasoning
  • 1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 400° F.
  • Cook pasta in a large pot or Multipurpose Steamer according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 2 tbsp pasta water. Drain remaining water.
  • Meanwhile, chop bacon into small pieces. Fry in Sauté Pan over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6 min.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add cream, water, and cheese spread, if using, to pan; stir until combined. Stir in seasoning and reserved pasta water, then add pasta and toss to combine. Spread out mac & cheese to cover the base of the pan. Sprinkle on shredded cheese.
  • Transfer pan to oven. Bake 10 min, or until cheese is melted and turning golden brown.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 470, Fat 24 g (Saturated 11 g, 0.2 0 g), Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 710 mg, Carbohydrate 45 g (Fiber 2 g, Sugars 6 g), Protein 17 g.

Tips

Swap steamed, chopped cauliflower for pasta for a low-carb, cheesy casserole.

Stir your favourite Epicure spices in with the Mac & Cheese Seasoning. Marie recommends 3 Onion Dip Mix, Creamy Ranch Dip Mix, and SPG Seasoning!

Epicure’s Sauté Pan is oven-safe up to 400° F. If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer mac & cheese to a baking dish before sprinkling on shredded cheese and placing in the oven.

Tips

Swap steamed, chopped cauliflower for pasta for a low-carb, cheesy casserole.

Stir your favourite Epicure spices in with the Mac & Cheese Seasoning. Marie recommends 3 Onion Dip Mix, Creamy Ranch Dip Mix, and SPG Seasoning!

Epicure’s Sauté Pan is oven-safe up to 400° F. If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer mac & cheese to a baking dish before sprinkling on shredded cheese and placing in the oven.