Main dish

Langostino Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Langostino Bacon Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

To recipe
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe insights & TIPS

This dish takes the classic mac and cheese up a notch with the luxurious sweetness of langostinos, those little cousins of lobster. Paired with the smokiness of white cheddar and the salty crunch of bacon, this dish always guarantees satisfied sighs around my kitchen table. The key to this dish lies in the details. For perfectly cooked pasta, aim for "al dente" – a slight bite that prevents mushiness later. To achieve a smooth, velvety sauce, we'll create a roux by patiently whisking the butter and flour together. This cooks out any raw flour taste. Remember, patience is key!

Next comes the milk. Slowly drizzle it in while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture. Gradually add the cheese, whisking it in until melted before adding more. This prevents the cheese from clumping or becoming greasy. Finally, the langostinos. Pre-cooked work perfectly fine, but if you have fresh, simply sauté them in a little butter with salt and pepper for a minute or two before adding them to the creamy masterpiece.

I love this recipe because it's incredibly adaptable. Feeling fancy? Throw in some chopped spinach or roasted asparagus. Want to lighten things up? Swap half the whole milk for low-fat or even unsweetened almond milk. You can even use pre-cooked bacon and frozen langostinos to save time on busy weeknights.

Langostino Bacon Macaroni Cheese

FAQs


What can I serve with langostino bacon macaroni and cheese?

A green salad with a simple vinaigrette or a chopped salad with a citrusy dressing can cleanse the palate and add some extra greens to the meal. It also pairs great with crusty bread to soak up the cheese sauce. 

How do I store langostino bacon macaroni and cheese?

Let the leftover mac and cheese cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze langostino bacon macaroni and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze leftover mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it out into individual serving-sized containers.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely! While the smoked white cheddar adds a lovely depth of flavor, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a sharp cheddar.

What if I don't have langostinos?

No worries! Shrimp, lobster, or even chopped cooked chicken can be delicious substitutes.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Using low-fat milk or swapping some of the cheese for lighter options like ricotta are great ways to reduce fat content. You can also add a cup of steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets for an extra serving of veggies.

Can I make this dish plant-based?

Swap the cheese for a vegan cheese alternative, and replace the langostinos with a meaty plant-based option like oyster mushrooms or jackfruit.

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Recipe

Indulge in a luxurious twist on mac and cheese with this recipe. It features succulent langostinos, smoky white cheddar, and crispy bacon, all enveloped in a creamy sauce.

Course:
Main dish
COOKing TIME:
20 minutes
Total TIME:
45 minutes
CUISINE:
American
PREP TIME:
25 minutes
SERVINGS:
6

Ingredients

  • 8 oz of elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup finely chopped shallots
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • 2-½ cups white cheddar
  • 1 cup cooked bacon
  • 2 cups cooked langostinos

Ingredient Swaps

  • Replace elbow macaroni with a whole-wheat or lentil pasta option. 
  • Reduce the amount of white cheddar by half and replace it with a lighter cheese like ricotta or low-fat mozzarella
  • Substitute whole milk with low-fat milk, skim milk, or even unsweetened plant-based milk options like almond milk or oat milk.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease or butter an oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven.
  2. Cook the pasta, drain it, and set aside.
  3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the shallots. Cook until the shallots are soft (about 3 minutes).
  4. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about another 3 minutes over low-medium heat.
  5. Gradually add the milk, whisking as you add.
  6. Bring to a boil and simmer gently, whisking often until the sauce starts to thicken.
  7. Add the salt, pepper, and 2 cups of the grated cheese and whisk until smooth and lump-free.
  8. Add the pasta to the sauce along with the bacon and the langostino.
  9. Gently fold together and pour into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
  10. Bake for about 20 minutes until the top is bubbling and starting to turn golden.
  11. Serve at once with hot, crusty garlic bread.
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