July Meal Prep: Better than BLT Mac & Cheese

 The cheeseball mix is from our Spring/Summer 2025 catalog.  I still have a few in my inventory if you want to give this recipe a try.  This was delicious.  I went ahead and prepped this for eating and froze the leftovers.  However, you can also make this ahead and freeze to bake later.

As you can tell from my photo, I used turkey bacon rather than regular bacon.  I also used lower fat cream cheese and shredded cheese.  We also use almond milk and gluten free noodles.  And the butter is unsalted.

Ingredients:

12 oz elbow macaroni

1 lb bacon slices, chopped

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese

1 packet Better Than BLT Cheese Ball Mix

2 c 2% milk

2 c shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided

1 c plain panko bread crumbs

2 tbsp butter, melted

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain.  Add drained pasta to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish (or aluminum pan); set aside.

2.  Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute bacon until crispy; remove to clean paper towels to drain.  Add to pasta. (toss to distribute).

  

3.  In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave cream cheese on HIGH for 45-60 seconds.  Whisk until smooth.  Whisk in Better Than BLT Cheese Ball Mix; then whisk in milk.  Microwave, whisking occasionally, 2-3 minutes or until hot.

 

4.  Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over pasta.  Add cheese sauce; toss until well combined.  Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.

5.  In small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter; toss to combine.  Sprinkle over pasta.  Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.  Makes 6 servings.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare through step 5 (do not bake).  Allow to cool completely.  Cover with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Remove foil and plastic.  Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to bake time.

Tip:  If you have the Pyrex brand glass bowls, there is a difference as to which can be used in an oven and which cannot.  PYREX (in all caps) can be used in the oven.  Pyrex (small letters) cannot go in the oven.