Bacon, Basil, and Tomato Mac and Cheese is fresh and tasty, savory and a tad sweet from the tomato.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, prepared according to package instructions

1 cup diced Italian style Pancetta, (diced thick cut bacon will work too)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 large fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced into ribbons

freshly cracked black pepper

While your macaroni and cheese is cooking, heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove from skillet and transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the tomatoes to the bacon grease. Let them blister a bit, but try not to stir too much, cause you might make them too squished. Once they are slightly charred and blistered, remove them from the skillet.
Place the pancetta, tomatoes, and basil on top of the prepared mac and cheese, sprinkle with a little bit of cracked black pepper. Enjoy.