Bacon and Herbs Mac 'n' Cheese

Time: 30 minutes.

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

• 12  ounces  elbow macaroni
• 3  strips bacon (about 2.5 oz.), chopped
• 3  tablespoons  melted butter, divided
• 1/4  cup  chopped mixed fresh herbs such as tarragon, parsley, chives, and/or rosemary
• 1/4  cup  chopped green onions
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2  cup  brie cheese, cut into chunks
• 1/2  cup  cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 1/2  cup  shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2  cup  plain dried bread crumbs

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to broil. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, fry bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes, then drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tbsp. grease. Set bacon aside.

3. In the warm pasta pot, mix reserved grease, 2 tbsp. butter, the herbs, onions, garlic, and soft cheeses. Mix in warm pasta and bacon. Spoon into 4 ramekins (1 1/2-cup size); sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

4. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 tbsp. butter and the bread crumbs, stirring to combine. Sprinkle evenly over cheese.

5. Broil ramekins until golden and bubbling, about 3 minutes.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

811 (48% from fat)

Protein:

29g

Fat:

43g (sat 25)

Carbohydrate:

76g

Fiber:

3g

Sodium:

746mg

Cholesterol:

119mg