Bacon with Leeks Macaroni

This one's for the kids and the kids at heart. With bacon and creamy cheese sauce topped with a flavorful cheese crust, your family will easily give this dish two thumbs up.

Serves 6 
Prep Time 15 minutes 
Cooking Time 20 minutes

400 grams bacon, cut into squares
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups chopped leeks (white part only)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup Cheddar cheese spread
1 1/2 cups all-purpose cream
450 grams elbow macaroni,
      cooked according to package directions
ground pepper
3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1/4  cup breadcrumbs

1  Preheat oven to 350ºF.

2  In a pan, sauté bacon until brown. Discard fat. Set bacon aside.

3  In another pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add leeks and stir-fry until transparent and have caramelized. Set aside.

4  Melt 1/2 cup butter in the same pan. Add cheese spread and cream. Mix well until the cheese spread has melted.

5  Add the cooked pasta, bacon and half of the caramelized leeks. Mix well until the sauce coats the pasta. Season with pepper.

6  Transfer to a rectangular baking dish. Top with the rest of the caramelized leeks, grated cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake for about 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Photography by Miguel Nacianceno | Food Preparation by Angelica C. Aban | Styling by Rachelle Santos | Props from Rustan’s Department Store (red cocktail napkins and  white table napkin with embroidery)