CHEESY CHICKEN BACON RANCH MACARONI AND CHEESE

CHEESY CHICKEN BACON RANCH MACARONI AND CHEESE

Cheese Food

What is it about mac n cheese that is so irresistable? I mean, I know it’s cheese and carbs, but for two ingredients it sure turns out delicious. When I was little it was only Kraft Mac n’ cheese, and yes there were a few times my mom threw in some cut up hot dogs. I don’t know where that came from but it happened.

Cheesy chicken bacon ranch macaroni and cheese is like the ultimate casserole. It’s a great meal to take to people in need of a little pick me up, but it is obviously loaded with dairy so watch out for any dairy issues with new, nursing mothers.

It’s also a great dish to freeze. It wont last as long as other recipes in the freezer because the cheese sauce can be absorbed by the noodles or separate a little when reheated if you leave it frozen for too long, but we’ve pushed it past a month and it was still perfect.

PRINT RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons  flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 3/4 cup ranch salad dressing
• 1 cup coarsely chopped cooked chicken

TOPPING

• 2/3 Cup Panko bread crumbs
• 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 10 Bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. In a 6-qt. dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth, continuing to cook for 30 seconds to cook out the flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk.
3. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Switch to a wooden spoon, stir in cheeses until blended. Stir in dressing.Add chicken and sauce to macaroni, tossing to combine.
4. .........................................

for full instruction please see : ohsweetbasil.com