Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks
This bubbling, golden macaroni and cheese combines creamy milk-and-Cheddar sauce with Dijon mustard, which cuts through the richness. Leeks add a mild onion note, while back bacon brings smoky, salty flavor among the tender elbow macaroni. Serve it as a comforting family dinner or warming cold-weather main dish.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook50 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 49 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 10 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 55 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 34
- Heart Health
- 59
- Metabolic
- 21
- Digestive
- 20
- Inflammatory
- 34
- Performance
- 31
- General Wellness
- 1
Grate some of the Cheddar cheese, reserving the remainder; cut the remainder into small cubes.
- 2
Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.
- 3
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- 4
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- 5
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in milk gradually; cook until the sauce thickens, about 6 minutes. Add grated Cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Stir cubed Cheddar cheese and leek rings into the sauce.
- 6
Pour the sauce into the pot of macaroni; stir well. Pour into a baking pan.
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and golden, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle bacon on top.
- Calories 394.56 kcal Moderate 20%
- Protein 18.68 g Good Source 37%
- Carbohydrate 51.63 g 19%
- Total Fat 13.36 g Moderate 17%
- Saturated Fat 7.15 g High 36%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 41.84 mg Moderate 14%
- Sodium 242.98 mg Moderate 11%
- Dietary Fiber 2.21 g Low Source 8%
- Total Sugars 7.41 g --
- Added Sugars 0.21 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 363.09 mg Good Source 28%
- Iron 2.06 mg Moderate 11%
- Potassium 342.71 mg Low Source 7%
- Vitamin A 77.98 mcg Low Source 9%
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 1.63 mcg Low Source 8%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Mustard
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks is made with 13 ingredients and serves 4. It takes about 1 hr 5 mins and is rated easy. Key ingredients include All Purpose Flour, Bacon, Black Pepper, and Butter. Each serving provides about 394.56 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks made of?
- The main ingredients are All-Purpose Flour, Bacon, Black Pepper, Butter, Canadian Bacon. The full list of 13 is above.
- How long does it take to make Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks?
- About 1 hr 5 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 50 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 394.56 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 13 ingredients and 7 steps.
- Is Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks healthy?
- Dijon Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks has an easyChef Pro health score of 40/100. Per serving, it provides 394.56 calories and 18.68 g of protein, or 37% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of calcium. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 242.98 mg (11% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 7.15 g (36% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Mustard and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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