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–+ servings
Cheesy Orzo Mac and Cheese with Bacon Breadcrumbs

Cheesy Orzo Mac and Cheese with Bacon Breadcrumbs Bliss

A quick and creamy Cheesy Orzo Mac and Cheese with Bacon Breadcrumbs for a comforting weeknight dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 medium Shallot finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Orzo
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half and half
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese grated
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 4 strips Bacon cooked and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Dutch oven
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Melt the Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 finely chopped shallot and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Mix in 1 cup of orzo pasta and toast it for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Season and Add Liquids: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Cook for about 12 minutes.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook 4 strips of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Chop into small pieces.
  7. Toast the Breadcrumbs: Drain the skillet, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease, then toast 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs in the skillet for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Combine Bacon and Seasoning: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and mix in the chopped bacon pieces.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the Cheesy Orzo Mac and Cheese into bowls and top with bacon breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently. For best texture, serve with fresh bacon breadcrumbs on top.

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