Easy Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Slice Recipe - The perfect meal prep recipe, this make ahead Mac and cheese slice is packed full of protein and flavour. Gluten free, high protein, nut free, clean eating friendly and the perfect work lunch or lunchbox recipe.
Click to pin this recipe on Pinterest!
Click to pin this recipe on Pinterest!
I feel like mac and cheese is one of those universally liked foods.
I mean, what's not to love. You've got creamy cheese and pasta, all wrapped up in a warm and comforting package.
... and if you're talking about this recipe, that package is a portable one, with the added flavour bonus of bacon.
This Bacon Mac and Cheese Slice has become one of our favourite meal prep and work lunch recipes. It's super easy to make and seriously delicious to make.
I make a huge batch every few weeks (alongside my Fried Rice Slice Recipe, Spanish Impossible Pie Recipe and other meal prep faves) to slice and freeze in individual portions. That way, all we have to do is pop a slice into a container, take it to work and reheat at lunch time.
In just a few minutes, you have warm mac and cheese that's actually so much healthier than you'd expect.
So let me share the recipe with you! >>
Mac and Cheese gets a bit of a bad rap, but this mac and cheese slice is packed full of protein and isn't overloaded with unnecessary fat.
We like to eat ours with a simple side salad and you've got a perfect nutritious lunch that will keep you full for the rest of the work day.
Want to add a little extra oomph? Feel free to throw in some chopped veggies, swap bacon for ham or chorizo, add in some sauteed mushrooms or a cajun spice mix - the possibilities are pretty much endless.
But whatever you do, just make sure you add it to your must-make list because you will not regret it!
Here's the recipe!
Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Slice
Yield: 6-8 servings
prep time: 15 Mcook time: 45 Mtotal time: 60 M
Easy Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Slice Recipe - The perfect meal prep recipe, this make ahead Mac and cheese slice is packed full of protein and flavour. Cottage cheese and eggs add creaminess and protein to this lunch slice, whilst reducing the fat content. Gluten free, nut free, high protein, clean eating friendly and the perfect work lunch or lunchbox recipe.
ingredients:
- 300g gluten free pasta, cooked* (see notes)
- 4-5 slices of shortcut bacon, diced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups (175g) grated cheese**
- 2 tbsp (20g) cornflour, dissolved in 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup (200g) cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheese
instructions:
How to cook Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Slice
- Preheat your oven to 200C/390F.
- Line a baking dish with baking paper and set aside (I used an 8x11" ceramic baking dish).
- Cook your pasta, cooking 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, saute your onion and bacon until your bacon is golden and your onion is translucent.
- Remove your bacon and onion from the pan and set aside to add later.
- Add your milk and cheese (excluding parmesan) to your saucepan and stir over a medium heat until melted.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and add your cornstarch mixture to the saucepan.
- Stir over a medium heat until your mix thickens.
- Once your cheese sauce has thickened, add your peas, pasta and bacon mixture.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix your eggs and cottage cheese until combined.
- Add your egg mixture to your pasta, stirring until everything is combined.
- Pour your mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle your parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving, or leave to cool before slicing and placing in the fridge to eat later (this will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge) or freezing to reheat and eat later (we freeze ours in indivdiual slices for a grab and go work lunch).
NOTES:
*I cook my pasta for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions for this recipe so it's not too soggy. The pasta will continue cooking as you bake it so it's best to undercook rather than overcook the pasta.
**Use a strong cheese like a sharp cheddar or gouda for the most flavour.
**Use a strong cheese like a sharp cheddar or gouda for the most flavour.
But tell me,
Are you a mac and cheese fan?
What would your ultimate mac and cheese include?
What would your ultimate mac and cheese include?
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