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Bacon Swiss Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

The memory is etched in my mind: a snow day, school cancelled, and the aroma of bubbling cheese wafting from the kitchen. My grandmother, a woman who could coax magic from the simplest ingredients, was making her signature macaroni and cheese. It was creamy, comforting, and utterly divine, but it lacked a certain…oomph. I always secretly dreamt of adding crispy bacon and tangy Swiss cheese. Today, I’m sharing a grown-up version of that beloved classic, inspired by those childhood memories, elevated with smoky bacon and nutty Swiss, a flavor combination that transforms this humble dish into something truly special.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 lb whole wheat penne
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk
¼ cup chicken broth, low sodium
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups low-fat swiss cheese
¼ cup parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried basil
2 slices turkey bacon, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Saucepan
Small pan
Cooking spray
Paper towels

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the whole wheat penne and cook for 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. It is important not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly in the cheese sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the low-fat buttermilk, chicken broth, and whole wheat flour. Whisk vigorously until the flour is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial to prevent lumps in the final sauce.
Spray a saucepan with cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Pour in the buttermilk mixture. Add the garlic powder, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the milk begins to thicken, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the low-fat swiss cheese and parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Be patient and stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t burn.
While the cheese sauce simmers, cook the bacon. Spray a small pan with cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it is crispy.
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. This helps maintain the crispness of the bacon.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
Finally, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even richer flavor, try using a combination of cheeses in addition to the Swiss and Parmesan. Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or provolone would all be delicious additions.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the cheese sauce before adding the pasta. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the sauce gluey.
To prevent the pasta from sticking together after draining, toss it with a small amount of olive oil or butter.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the pasta and cheese sauce separately and combine them just before serving. Store the bacon separately to maintain its crispness.
For a bolder bacon flavor, use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Bacon Swiss Mac and Cheese immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and a touch of heat.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore the creamy consistency. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the cheese sauce may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	388.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	49 g	N/A
Total Fat	5.5 g	8%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	13%
Cholesterol	21.9 mg	7%
Sodium	308.6 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	63.4 g	21%
Dietary Fiber	6.7 g	26%
Sugars	3.6 g	N/A
Protein	25.4 g	50%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the whole wheat penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster. Additionally, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour to thicken the sauce.
Vegetarian: Omit the turkey bacon altogether for a vegetarian version. To add a smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Deluxe: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions into the macaroni and cheese for added depth of flavor.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile. Gruyere, fontina, or gouda would all be excellent choices.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
A: Absolutely! Regular bacon will add a richer, smokier flavor to the dish. Just be sure to drain off the excess grease after cooking.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk?
A: Yes, you can substitute the low-fat buttermilk with whole milk or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or soy milk. However, the buttermilk adds a slight tanginess that complements the Swiss cheese nicely.

Q: What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
A: If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. Stir well until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Q: How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
A: To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure to cook it al dente and drain it thoroughly. You can also toss it with a small amount of olive oil or butter after draining.

Q: Can I bake this macaroni and cheese for a crispy top?
A: Yes, you can transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Swiss Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or simply when you need a little something special. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different cheeses, add your favorite toppings, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious. Let me know in the comments what variations you try, and happy cooking!

Bacon Swiss Mac and Cheese Recipe