Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Bake with Crispy Potato Crust
Indulge in this ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Bake. This dish features creamy macaroni and cheese infused with Hidden Valley® Original Ranch Dressing for an extra kick of flavor. Fresh broccoli florets add a nutritional boost, while crispy bacon provides savory crunch in every bite. Topped with a delightful mixture of sliced red potatoes and seasoned bread crumbs, this casserole is baked to perfection, creating a golden crispy crust that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this irresistible bake makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
1/2 cup (Ready to use)
Elbow macaroni
16 ounces (Cooked)
Bacon
6 slices (Cooked and crumbled)
Butter
2 teaspoons (Divided)
Broccoli
1 head (Cut into florets)
Onion
1 small (Chopped)
Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Milk
2 cups (Ready to use)
Salt
to taste (Ready to use)
Pepper
to taste (Ready to use)
Adobo seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (Ready to use)
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (Shredded, divided)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (Shredded, divided)
Red potatoes
5 (Sliced thin)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup (Ready to use)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
2
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until evenly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into pieces and set aside.
4
4. In the same skillet, melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining 1 teaspoon of butter, milk, Hidden Valley® Original Ranch Dressing, salt, pepper, and adobo seasoning until well combined.
6
6. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, the sautéed broccoli and onion mixture, and half of the potato nuggets until evenly mixed.
7
7. Spread the cooked macaroni evenly in the prepared baking dish and pour the cheese mixture over the top. Mix gently to combine.
8
8. Layer the remaining cheese (1 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella), crumbled bacon, sliced potatoes, and seasoned bread crumbs on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
9
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra crispiness.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Bake?
The dish features a creamy macaroni and cheese base infused with Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, savory bacon, and fresh broccoli, all topped with a crispy potato crust.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of elbow macaroni, cooked until al dente.
How many calories are in one serving of this bake?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What kind of potatoes are used for the crust?
The crust is made using 5 red potatoes that have been sliced thin.
How many types of cheese are used in the Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Bake?
Three types of cheese are used: cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
What is the baking temperature for this casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long should the macaroni be boiled?
Boil the elbow macaroni in lightly salted water for about 8 minutes, or until al dente.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet until evenly browned and crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Which dressing is used to flavor the cheese sauce?
1/2 cup of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing is used to provide an extra kick of flavor.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The recipe includes 1 head of broccoli cut into florets and 1 small chopped onion.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How long does the casserole need to bake in total?
The total baking time is 40 to 45 minutes.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the majority of the time, removing it for the last 10 minutes.
How do I ensure the potato crust becomes crispy?
Remove the aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden brown and crispy.
What seasonings are added to the egg and milk mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of adobo seasoning.
How many eggs are needed for the binder?
Three beaten eggs are used in the cheese and milk mixture.
How much cheddar cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
What is the purpose of the seasoned bread crumbs?
The seasoned bread crumbs are layered on top of the potatoes to add extra texture and crunch to the golden crust.
How do I prepare the broccoli and onions?
Sauté the broccoli florets and chopped onion in 1 teaspoon of butter until the onion is soft and translucent.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients required.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
One cup of shredded Parmesan cheese is mixed into the casserole.
How is the butter used in the recipe?
Two teaspoons of butter are used: one for sautéing vegetables and one mixed into the egg and milk liquid.
What provides the 'crunch' in every bite?
The crunch comes from the crispy bacon pieces mixed inside and the potato and bread crumb topping.
Can this recipe be served at family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided.