Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Nothing beats creamy mac and cheese loaded with crispy, smoky bacon for a comforting, hearty meal. This recipe uses a rich cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you want a crowd-pleasing classic with a savory twist.
Ingredients List
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream (warm)
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Stir in chopped crispy bacon, then combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
Step 6: Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Toss breadcrumbs with a little melted butter, sprinkle on top.
Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
Makes about 6 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 480
Carbs: 40g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness.
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or extra crispy bacon on top for more flavor.
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for fall and winter comfort food cravings but delicious any time of year.
Conclusion
This bacon mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch and smoky bacon flavor. It’s an easy way to elevate classic comfort food into a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.
Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Course: Uncategorized6
servings10
minutes35
minutes480
kcalCreamy, cheesy mac and cheese combined with crispy, smoky bacon for a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, this recipe balances rich cheese sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and savory bacon bits.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream (warm)
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Directions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Stir in chopped crispy bacon, then combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Toss breadcrumbs with a little melted butter, sprinkle on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor.
Warm the milk and cream before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch; toss with melted butter for extra richness.
Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or fontina work great too.
Q2: Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if chilled.
Q3: How can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
