Bacon Pasta Gratin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, or ziti)
• 6 strips of bacon, diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel to drain.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring until well combined.
6. Gradually add milk to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
7. Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese is melted and combined.
8. Add cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet, stirring until evenly coated with sauce.
9. Pour pasta and sauce mixture into the greased baking dish.
10. In a small mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the pasta and sauce mixture in the baking dish.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Verdict:

This bacon pasta gratin is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy bacon pair perfectly with the al dente pasta and buttery breadcrumbs. It’s great for a family dinner or potluck, and leftovers can be reheated for a quick and delicious lunch.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the bacon pasta gratin with a simple side salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal. Pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine for the perfect finishing touch.