Gratin of Macaroni with Bacon and Leeks

Dive into comfort food bliss with this indulgent Gratin of Macaroni with Bacon and Leeks, a hearty baked pasta dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Featuring tender macaroni smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with Cheddar and Parmesan, this recipe gets a savory boost from crispy bacon and sweet, sautéed leeks. A golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping adds irresistible texture, while a hint of nutmeg brings a subtle warmth to every bite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or an inviting dinner party side dish, this easy-to-follow gratin recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep and serves up a bubbling, golden masterpiece in under an hour. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy, cheesy decadence. If you’re looking for a comforting baked macaroni recipe with a gourmet twist, this gratin is sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Macaroni pasta
• 150 grams Bacon, chopped
• 2 large Leeks, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters Milk
• 150 grams Cheddar cheese, grated
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving behind the rendered fat.

Step 4

Add the sliced leeks to the skillet and sauté in the bacon fat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni, bacon, sautéed leeks, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to evenly coat the macaroni.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling around the edges.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1728.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4242.1

Total Fat 209.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 100.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 553.7mg	0%
Sodium 9003.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 411.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.8g	0%
Total Sugars 55.4g
Protein 192.4g	0%

Vitamin D 268.0IU	0%
Calcium 2540.6mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 3262.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 38.3%