Baked Kale and Bacon Macaroni & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese will always be one of my favorite meals. It is so easy to make different versions by switching the cheese and add-ins for each recipe you make. This version combines vegan bacon with kale for a flavorful mac and cheese.

Recipe from Good Life Eats.

Ingredients:
-1 lb. macaroni, cooked according to package directions 

-3 tablespoon butter

-1/2 of a purple onion, diced

-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

-1/4 cup flour

-3 cups whole milk

-8 ounces sharp white cheddar, grated

-1 ounce parmesan, finely grated

-dash nutmeg

-dash cayenne pepper

-1/4 teaspoon black pepper

-1/4 teaspoon salt, or according to personal preference

-4 slices vegan bacon, cooked and crumbled

-3 1/2 ounces fresh kale, chopped (about a half a bunch)

-1/2 cup crushed croutons

Saute the onion 3-5 minutes.
Add the garlic and saute 2 minutes.

Whisk in the flour and stir until golden.

Add in the milk and whisk while cooking over medium heat.

Stir in the cheese while continuously whisking to make a sauce.
Add the seasoning.

Bring to a simmer and add in the kale.

Pour over the pasta.
Stir in the vegan bacon.

Pour into an 8x8 pan.

Top with crushed croutons.
And parmesan cheese.

Bake at 375 for 10-20 minutes.

The white cheddar gave this good flavor. The onion and vegan bacon added additional flavor -- I think the kale was just for color, it didn't really add too much to this, but it was nice to have the additional green color in the dish. The garlic croutons added a nice crunch, we made sure to crush additional croutons to our leftovers.