Homemade Bacon Pesto Mac and Cheese

Hello, Hello!  It's been so very long since I blogged here and I do hope to change that.  There have been many exciting changes around the farm and I want to start documenting the deeper stories for you all.  You can follow snippets on my Facebook page at https://www.faceboook.com/lovelandacresfarm but there is so much more I know I long to share like this fabulous recipe for Homemade Bacon Pesto Mac and Cheese - Yum!

Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. bacon cut in to quarter in. strips

1 lb. macaroni noodles

8 tbs. unsalted butter

1/2 c. flour

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 c. whole milk

1 c. mild cheddar cheese

1 c. mozzarella

8 oz. basil pesto

Directions

 

Step One: In large skillet cook bacon, approximately 15-18 minutes, until crisp.  Use slotted spoon to remove on to paper towel and set aside.

Step Two: Cook pasta, drain, set aside.

Step Three: Use pasta pot and place on burner set at medium heat. Add butter to pot.  When butter is  melted, sprinkle in flour, salt, pepper, and cook - whisking for 2 minutes. Slowly add in milk after two minutes, whisking while adding, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens. This will take approximately 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheeses.

Step Four: Stir in pasta and pesto.  *Depending on your love of pesto you may want to decrease the amount used.  We went with less and the recipe still packed a powerful punch.  Taste test your pasta to see what you prefer.  I used about 7.5 oz. and we love pesto. 

Step Five: Set aside 1 c. of bacon for a top garnish.  Mix the rest of the bacon in to the pasta.  Garnish the top of the pasta, serve hot, and enjoy!

This recipe was a HUGE hit with my family.  There was plenty for two teens (with hefty appetites) and my husband and I, along with a bit of leftovers.  It was served up alongside of some farm fresh pork chops and veggies. 

Hope you enjoy this and find it just as delicious as we did.