Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

This Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with crispy bacon, topped with a crunchy, savory broccoli crumble. It’s a dish that satisfies on so many levels, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This recipe combines the familiar flavors of bacon and cheese with the added goodness of broccoli, creating a balanced and delicious meal that everyone will love.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and the slightly bitter broccoli crumble creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Texture Contrast:** The creamy pasta, crispy bacon, and crunchy crumble provide a delightful textural experience.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute different cheeses, add other vegetables, or use a different type of pasta.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This pasta bake is always a hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners and potlucks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Pasta Bake:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work well)
* **Bacon:** 8-12 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, divided
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons
* **Milk:** 3 cups
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded
* **Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated, divided
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, diced
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crumble topping)

### For the Broccoli Crumble Topping:

* **Broccoli Florets:** 2 cups, finely chopped
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, melted
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Pasta:

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

### 2. Cook the Bacon and Broccoli:

* Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
* In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You can steam the broccoli for a shorter amount of time if you prefer a softer texture.
* Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

### 3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

* In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
* Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
* Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

### 4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cooked broccoli, and cheese sauce.
* Gently toss everything together until well combined.
* Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.

### 5. Prepare the Broccoli Crumble Topping:

* In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets, melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

### 6. Add the Crumble Topping and Bake:

* Sprinkle the broccoli crumble topping evenly over the pasta bake.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
* Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the cheese sauce. Gruyere, Gouda, or even a little bit of blue cheese can add a unique flavor.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the pasta bake for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
* **Meat Options:** If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can substitute it with cooked ham, sausage, or even shredded chicken.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Creamy Sauce Alternative**: For an even creamier sauce, add 4 ounces of cream cheese along with the other cheeses. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts easily.
* **Make Ahead:** Assemble the entire pasta bake (including the crumble topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
* **Broccoli Preparation**: For a more subtle broccoli flavor, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes before chopping them for the crumble. This will soften them slightly and mellow their flavor.
* **Nutty Crumble**: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Herb Infusion**: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the cheese sauce for a more complex flavor profile. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can also be added as a garnish after baking.
* **Bacon Grease Boost**: Before making the cheese sauce, saute the garlic and onions in a tablespoon of bacon grease for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
* **Breadcrumb Alternatives**: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the crumble topping.
* **Vegan Option**: Substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative, use plant-based milk, and use vegan butter. You can use mushroom “bacon” or tempeh bacon for a plant-based protein option. Nutritional yeast can also enhance the cheesiness.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* A simple green salad
* Garlic bread
* Roasted vegetables
* Coleslaw

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

* Calories: 650-750 per serving
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 40-45g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

## Conclusion

This Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and crunchy broccoli crumble, it’s a flavor and texture sensation that will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to indulge in this ultimate comfort food masterpiece. Enjoy!

## FAQs

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the recipe.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

**Q: Can I freeze this pasta bake?**
A: Yes, you can freeze this pasta bake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

**Q: What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?**
A: Penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni are all good choices for this recipe. Choose a pasta shape that has ridges or grooves to hold the cheese sauce.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to this recipe. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the pasta bake.

**Q: How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?**
A: Make sure to use enough cheese sauce to coat the pasta completely. You can also add a little extra milk or chicken broth to the sauce if it seems too thick.

**Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?**
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting smoothly. For best results, shred your own cheese.

**Q: What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?**
A: You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers in place of panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture.

**Q: Can I make this without bacon?**
A: Yes, you can omit the bacon or substitute it with cooked ham, sausage, or shredded chicken. You can also use a vegetarian bacon alternative.

**Q: How do I store leftovers?**
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

**Q: What kind of milk works best?**
A: Whole milk will give you the richest and creamiest sauce, but you can use 2% milk or even skim milk if you prefer. Avoid using non-dairy milk alternatives, as they may not thicken properly in the cheese sauce unless properly combined with the roux.

**Q: What is a Roux?**
A: In cooking, a roux is a mixture of flour and fat (typically butter) used to thicken sauces and soups. It’s cooked together on low heat until the flour flavor disappears and it takes on a slight nutty aroma. The type of fat and flour, and the way that it is cooked, will influence the flavor, color, and thickening power of the roux.

**Q: How can I ensure the broccoli florets are the same size?**
A: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the broccoli florets into roughly the same size to promote even cooking.

**Q: How can I make the broccoli crumble even more crunchy?**
A: Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before mixing them with the other crumble ingredients. This will help to make them even more crunchy.

**Q: Is there a way to ensure the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the bake?**
A: Crumble the bacon as finely as possible and toss it thoroughly with the pasta and cheese sauce before adding it to the baking dish.

**Q: Can I add other spices to the cheese sauce for a richer flavor?**
A: Yes, adding spices such as nutmeg, paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce.

**Q: Is it possible to make this recipe in individual ramekins for portion control?**
A: Absolutely! Divide the pasta mixture and crumble topping evenly among individual ramekins and bake as directed. This is a great option for serving individual portions or for special occasions.