Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Potato Nugget Topping

I was feeling adventurous one day and wanted to try a non ooey and gooey kind of mac and cheese. This dish bakes up to be light and airy. Good way to add some veggies for the picky eaters in your family. You can also make it lower in fat by using skim milk and low fat cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, there are many other things you could toss in here such as ham-diced and browned, left over sliced chicken, more potato nuggets or more bacon, spinach, or other veggies hanging out in the fridge that need to be used up.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 544 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 6 slices bacon
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¼ teaspoon adobo seasoning
• 20 frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.

Step 3

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.

Step 4

Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble the bacon and set aside. Heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the broccoli and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Whisk together the eggs, the remaining 1 teaspoon of butter, and milk in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and adobo seasoning. Stir in 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, the broccoli mixture and half of the potato nuggets. Place macaroni into the baking dish and pour the cheese mixture over the pasta, mixing well. Top with the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, bacon, and potato nuggets. Cover with aluminum foil.