Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! We’re diving into a dish that perfectly marries two of life’s greatest pleasures: the hearty satisfaction of breakfast and the comforting embrace of creamy macaroni and cheese. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a **Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese** that will transform your brunch table into a haven of flavor. Imagine extra cheesy goodness, vibrant vegetables, savory ham, and the irresistible allure of a perfectly runny egg, all baked into one glorious casserole. It’s truly a brunch lover’s dream come true!
This delightful recipe was crafted with love and supported by our amazing partners during #BrunchWeek. We extend a special thank you to the sponsor companies who provided product samples that made this culinary creation possible. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, born from a genuine passion for delicious food.
For those who adore macaroni and cheese in all its forms, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, which is fantastic on its own or as a topping for these incredible Dr Pepper Pulled Pork n Mac Sandwiches. But today, our focus is on a breakfast twist that promises to steal the show!
Why Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese? A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
In our household, there are two culinary constants: the undeniable allure of macaroni and cheese and the comforting ritual of breakfast food. For years, I dreamt of combining these two beloved elements into a single, show-stopping dish. And finally, the perfect occasion arrived: #BrunchWeek. I knew this concept would be an absolute hit, and it certainly delivered!
Just one look at this creation confirms its perfection. The golden-brown crust, the rich, bubbling cheese sauce, and those perfectly nestled eggs – it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate. Who could resist a macaroni and cheese dish that’s generously stuffed with all your favorite breakfast components? It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated to brunch status, offering a delightful twist on a classic that everyone will adore.
Elevating the Flavor Profile: Fresh Vegetables and Savory Additions
While the combination of macaroni, cheese, and eggs is already a winner, we wanted to take this dish to the next level. That’s why we incorporated vibrant red bell pepper and tender asparagus. Not only do these vegetables add a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor, but they also bring a delightful texture contrast to the creamy pasta. Their inclusion makes this Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese particularly suitable for spring celebrations, such as elegant baby showers, joyful bridal showers, or a heartfelt Mother’s Day brunch.
In fact, I love this dish so much that I’m dropping a hint for Mother’s Day: I’m hoping someone special will prepare this for me and serve it alongside a refreshing bellini. A girl can dream, right? This dish is versatile enough for any meal, proving that breakfast foods aren’t just for the morning. We frequently enjoy “breakfast for dinner” in our home because it’s a meal the entire family consistently loves. This Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese is equally perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner.
The Secret to Success: Premium Ingredients and a Perfect Base
Every exceptional dish begins with a solid foundation, and this Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese is no exception. It starts with a base of classic, rich, and utterly scrumptious macaroni and cheese. But what truly sets it apart are the quality ingredients, many of which were generously provided by our fantastic #BrunchWeek sponsors.
- **Cabot Cheese:** We used a combination of Cabot Vermont Extra Sharp Cheddar for its robust, classic mac and cheese flavor and Cabot Horseradish Cheddar for a subtle, exciting kick that elevates the entire dish. Their quality makes all the difference in achieving that perfectly gooey, flavorful cheese sauce.
- **Eggland’s Best Eggs:** For the crowning glory – those beautiful, runny baked eggs – Eggland’s Best eggs provided the rich yolks and firm whites needed for perfection. They truly are the “best” when it comes to quality and flavor.
- **Michigan Asparagus:** The tender, crisp Michigan asparagus adds a touch of fresh, seasonal greenery and a delicate flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
- **Cal Organic Sliced Green Onions:** A sprinkle of fresh Cal Organic sliced green onions provides a mild oniony zest and a vibrant garnish, brightening every bite.
Combining these stellar ingredients ensures that every spoonful of this **Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese** is a pure delight, making it an undeniable dream for any brunch enthusiast.
1 vote
Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 8 servings
The most important meal of the day meets comfort food in this Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese. It features extra cheesy goodness, is packed with vegetables and ham and a runny egg. It’s a brunch lover’s dream!
Ingredients
1 pound medium shells or elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter, divided
8 ounces ham, diced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 lb Michigan asparagus, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons corn starch
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces Cabot Vermont Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
4 ounces Cabot Horseradish Cheddar Cheese, shredded
6-8 eggs*
salt and pepper
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Cal-Organic green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add pasta. Cook 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 3 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Into a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add in ham, onion, red bell pepper and asparagus. Saute for 5 minutes.
- Whisk milk and cornstarch into large saucepan until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Add in cream cheese and remaining cheese. Stir until melted and add in drained pasta.
- Pour macaroni and cheese into prepared dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in panko breacrumbs.
- Make 6-8 wells* into the macaroni and cheese and carefully pour an egg into each hole. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes until the eggs are set to your likeness.
- Serve with sliced green onions.
*My casserole dish was only large enough to fit 6 eggs. Depending on the size of your dish, you can get up to 8 eggs in a 13 x 9″ pan.
Courses Breakfast
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 570 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 27 g | 42% | |
Saturated Fat 15 g | 75% | |
Cholesterol 209 mg | 70% | |
Sodium 887 mg | 37% | |
Total Carbohydrates 56 g | 19% | |
Dietary Fiber 7 g | 28% | |
Sugars 8 g | ||
Protein 31 g | 62% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Customization: Making This Dish Truly Your Own
One of the best aspects of this Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese is its incredible adaptability. The recipe provides a fantastic framework, but you can easily tailor it to your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Instead of ham, for example, consider using breakfast sausage, a personal favorite of my husband’s, for a richer, spicier flavor. And of course, crispy bacon is always a 100% acceptable, delicious alternative that adds a smoky depth!
For our vegetarian friends, simply omit the ham and load up on extra vegetables. Imagine a medley of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, more bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes. This would create a hearty, flavorful vegetarian breakfast mac and cheese that is equally fabulous and satisfying. You can also experiment with different cheese blends; a smoked gouda or a sharp white cheddar could add exciting new dimensions. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to create a unique dish every time.
We hope this detailed guide inspires you to whip up your own batch of this incredible Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience – a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and versatility that will delight at any time of day.
Discover More #BrunchWeek Delights!
Curious to see what other fantastic recipes our fellow #BrunchWeek Bloggers are sharing today? Dive into a treasure trove of brunch inspiration:
BrunchWeek Beverages:
- Carrot Grapefruit Smoothie from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
- Cranberry Orange Mimosas from The PinterTest Kitchen
- Hazelnut Coffee Syrup from The Redhead Baker
BrunchWeek Appetizers:
- Antipasto Salad from Cooking with Carlee
- Egg & Asparagus BLT Salad from Sweet Beginnings
- Spring Brunch Veggie Tray from Wholistic Woman
BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:
- California Club Omelet from The Barbee Housewife
- Quick & Easy Cheesy Cheddar Asparagus Frittata from 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
- Huevos Rancheros Cups from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Kuku Sabzi (Persian Herb Omelette) from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
BrunchWeek Breads, Grains, and Pastries:
- Buttermilk Scones from Mildly Meandering
- New York Style Garlic Knots from Girl Abroad
- Miso Butter Toast from Brunch-n-Bites
- Pecan Belgian Waffles with Strawberry Sauce from Family Around the Table
- Savory French Toast with Asparagus from Forking Up
BrunchWeek Main Dishes:
- Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- Canadian Bacon, Egg & Asparagus Quesadilla from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
- Asparagus Fried Rice from Tara’s Multicultural Table
- Asparagus Bacon Rollups from For the Love of Food
- Creamy Baked Cheesy Asparagus from Daily Dish Recipes
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan from Books n’ Cooks
BrunchWeek Desserts:
- Blueberry Raspberry Chocolate Bark from Caroline’s Cooking
- Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake from The Crumby Kitchen
- Red Velvet Cake Macaron from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Succulent Vanilla Sugar Cookies from Love and Confections
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Disclaimer: Thank you to our generous #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, LorAnn Oils and Flavors, Cento Fine Foods, Michigan Asparagus, Cal-Organic, and Eggland’s Best for providing the prizes free of charge. These wonderful companies also supplied bloggers with samples and products to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. The #BrunchWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering, you grant the right to use your name and likeness. The odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. Seven (7) winners will be selected, and the prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #BrunchWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members residing in their household are not eligible to enter or win. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #BrunchWeek posts or entry.