It’s Not Just For Dinner Anymore - Breakfast Mac-N-Cheese!
Serves: 8
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ingredients
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12 slices Smithfield Maple flavored bacon (reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings)
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1 pound penne pasta
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2 teaspoons salt (divided)
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 tablespoons flour
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2 1/2 cups half & half
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1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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6 maple-flavored frozen waffles, toasted
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8 eggs
Steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook bacon in a single layer heavy skillet over medium heat until crispy. (Alternatively, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet or baking pan with sides with heavy-duty foil. Arrange the bacon on the pan, side-by-side, being sure not to overlap the pieces. Bake the bacon for 15-25 minutes, until crisp.) Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings.
In a large pot bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add pasta and 1 teaspoon salt and cook until pasta is tender (8-10 minutes). Drain in a colander and set aside.
Melt butter and bacon drippings in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking continuously. Slowly whisk in half & half and bring to a light boil. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally, 3-5 minutes, until thickened (sauce should coat the back of a spoon). Remove from heat and add cheese, stir until cheese is fully melted. Fold in bacon and pasta.
Spoon pasta evenly into 8 Au Gratin dishes coated with no stick spray. Place on a large baking sheet.
Pulse waffles in a food processor until crumbly. Sprinkle individual macaroni and cheese dishes evenly with waffle crumb topping. Place oven for 15-18 minutes until waffle crumbs are toasted and cheese is bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick skillet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray over medium heat. Cook eggs (over-medium or as individually preferred). Top each macaroni and cheese with a cooked egg. Season with salt and fresh pepper.
Recipe Submitted By KarenG
