Exactly what you were thinking – a mac and cheese that is both sweet and savory? Well, it’s pretty darn good.
By Jocelyn Ruggiero of Relish
Mark Boughton Photography / Styling by Teresa Blackburn 
The savory is bacon and parmesan cheese. The sweet is honey. Generously mix these ingredients with a deep dish of cream cheesy pasta shells and you’ve got a main dessert course
This article has been posted with permission and originally appeared as, “Sweet and Salty Mac and Cheese” on Relish.
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Savory and Sweet Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Creamy mac and cheese gets a sweet and savory twist with honey and bacon. Comfort food elevated!
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp butter
- 6 tbsp flour
- 3 cups (710 ml) 2% reduced fat milk
- 2 cups (227 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese
- 1 lbs (454 g) large pasta shells
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) honey
- 1 lbs (454 g) bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and milk. Reduce heat to low, and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add Parmesan and cream cheese. Stir until melted.
- Cook pasta.
- Pour cheese mixture over pasta and mix well.
- Stir in honey and ¾ lb bacon.
- Pour into a 2½-qt casserole dish, top with ¼ cup bacon and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of 2% reduced-fat milk.
- To prevent the mac and cheese from becoming gummy, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before adding the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bacon works best for the Savory and Sweet Mac and Cheese?
Thick-cut bacon is recommended for a heartier texture and flavor, but regular bacon can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar savory flavor, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste.
How should I incorporate the honey into the dish?
Drizzle the honey over the mac and cheese after mixing in the cream cheesy pasta shells, allowing it to blend well with the savory flavors.
