Who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? This fantastic recipe is made even better with the added ingredients of tomato and bacon! Your whole family is sure to love this dish that can be served as either a main entree or side!

6 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
Salt
12 ounces sharp Cheddar, American, or Monterey-Jack shredded (about 3 cups)
4 ounces sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1/4 tsp hot red pepper sauce
1 tsp dry mustard, dissolved in 1 tsp water
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 large tomato, cored, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
Freshly gound black pepper

1. Heat 2 Tbsp butter in large skillet over medium heat until the foam disappears. Add the bread crumbs and cook, making sure to coat all crumbs evenly, until they just start to brown. Season to taste with salt. Cool in small bowl and then toss with 1/4 cup cheese and set aside.

2. Cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels.

3. Adjust the oven rack 6 inches from the heating element and heat the broiler.

4. Mix the eggs, 1 cup evaporated milk, hot pepper sauce, and mustard mixture in a small bowl and set aside.

5. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tsp salt and the macaroni and cook until almost tender, but still a little firm to the bite. Drain and return to the pot over low heat. Add the remaining 4 Tbsp butter and toss to melt.

6. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta along with 3/4 of the remaining cheese. Stir until thoroughly combined and the cheese begins to melt. Gradually add the remaining milk and cheese, stirring constantly until the mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bacon and tomato and the season to taste with salt and pepper.

7. Pour the cooked macaroni and cheese into a 9-inch square baking dish. Spread the crumbs evenly over the top. Broil until the crumbs turn a deep brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Let stand to set for 5 minutes. Enjoy!

TIPS: Be sure tomato is thoroughly seeded and drained so the dish is not too watery!