Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 30 min Serves: 6
Craving comfort food? Bacon Mac and Cheese is the answer! This dish brings together tender pasta, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect as a main meal or a side dish. Everyone loves it!
This recipe is ideal for cozy nights, potlucks, or a special weekend treat. Get ready for a truly satisfying meal!
Why This Mac and Cheese Is a Must-Try
- Ultimate Comfort: It’s gooey, cheesy, crispy, and savory.
- Smoky Crunch: Bacon adds amazing flavor and texture.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for a delicious result.
- Customizable: Add your favorite extras!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this amazing dish:
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta for mac and cheese.
- Bacon: For that smoky, crispy goodness.
- Butter & flour: To make the rich sauce thick.
- Milk or cream: For a smooth, velvety texture.
- Cheddar & Gruyère cheese: A perfect blend of sharp and smooth flavors.
- Salt & pepper: To enhance all the delicious flavors.
- Optional: Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping when baked.
How to Make Bacon Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for a perfect, creamy, and crispy dish!
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni. Cook until it’s just al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Crisp the Bacon
- Fry 8 slices of bacon in a skillet until they are crispy.
- Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to soak up extra grease.
- Once cool, chop or crumble the bacon.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes. This creates a roux.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk or cream, whisking constantly to keep it smooth.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar + Gruyère). Stir gently until melted. Do not boil the sauce.
4. Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon.
- Optional: Add extras like sliced jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions if you like.
5. Bake to Perfection (Optional)
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra crunch.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes. It should be golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Make your meal complete with these pairings:
- Sides: A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread.
- Drinks: A dry white wine, a cold craft beer, or sparkling apple cider.
Customize Your Flavor!
- Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
- Smoked Gouda: Adds deep smoky richness.
- Chorizo: A meaty, bold twist.
- Caramelized Onions: For a sweet and savory balance.
- Roasted Garlic: Adds an earthy depth.
This mac and cheese is your canvas—feel free to get creative!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why should I rinse the pasta with cold water?
A: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and keeps it al dente.
Q: How can I make my cheese sauce extra smooth?
A: The key is to whisk constantly when adding milk/cream to the roux and to melt the cheese gently over low heat. Don’t let the sauce boil once the cheese is added.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and bacon ahead of time. Cook the pasta just before assembling and baking for the best texture.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispiness.
Recipe Card: Homemade Bacon Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 30 min Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions:
Serve: Let cool for 5–10 min before serving.
Cook Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Crisp Bacon: Fry chopped bacon until crispy; drain on paper towel.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, slowly add milk/cream, then cheese. Stir until smooth. Do not boil.
Combine: Mix pasta, cheese sauce, and bacon in a large bowl. Pour into a buttered baking dish.
Bake (Optional): Top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 min until golden and bubbly.
Don’t lose this cozy comfort meal — Pin it for later so you’ll always have a warm, cheesy go-to recipe on hand.
