Bacon Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy, cheesy pasta and crispy, smoky bacon in one plate. The rich cheese sauce perfectly coats every elbow macaroni, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor that makes this dish so hard to resist.
I love making this recipe when I want something that feels homey and filling. One tip I always follow is to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy before stirring it in. It adds such a great texture contrast to the smoothness of the cheese sauce. Plus, the aroma while it’s cooking is just irresistible!
My favorite way to enjoy Bacon Mac and Cheese is straight out of the oven when the top is golden and bubbly. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a simple green salad to lighten things up a bit. Whenever I serve this to friends or family, they always ask for seconds—which is a sure sign it’s a winning dish every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The star that adds smoky crispiness. If you want a lighter or vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh or coconut bacon. Cooking it until crispy really boosts the texture contrast.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this dish its bold flavor, while mozzarella adds meltiness. You can swap cheddar for gouda or Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for provolone.
Milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy sauce, but you can use 2% or even half-and-half for a richer texture. Warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a crunchy topping. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, or crushed crackers for a different crunch style.
How Do You Make a Smooth, Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The trick to a great cheese sauce is making a roux and slowly adding the milk.
- First, melt butter in the skillet and whisk in flour. This cooks the flour and prevents a raw taste.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to keep it melt-smooth and prevent graininess.
- Add seasoning like garlic and onion powder for extra flavor without overpowering the cheese.
Taking these steps carefully will give you a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – Perfect for boiling the pasta until al dente, making sure it cooks evenly.
- Skillet or frying pan – Ideal for cooking the bacon to crispy perfection and preparing the cheese sauce in the same pan for easy flavor building.
- Whisk – Helps to stir the roux and incorporate the milk smoothly without lumps.
- Baking dish – A 2-quart dish works well for baking the mac and cheese until bubbly and golden on top.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Keep your ingredients accurate for the best results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked sausage, ham, or sautéed mushrooms to change the flavor profile.
- Mix in different cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a new cheesy twist.
- Add cooked spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables to boost the veggie content and add color.
- Include a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy kick that elevates the dish.
Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Bacon:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, expect around 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Bacon:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, cook the bacon over medium heat in a large skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain, then crumble into small pieces. Keep 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for the sauce; discard the rest.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux. Slowly add the warmed milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Combine, Top, and Bake:
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then stir in most of the crumbled bacon, saving some for the topping. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter if you like extra crispness. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and reserved bacon evenly over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon works well as a leaner alternative. Just cook it until crispy like regular bacon to maintain that satisfying crunch and smoky flavor.
Can I Make Bacon Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it a few extra minutes until hot and bubbly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Definitely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to swap in shells, cavatappi, or penne—all hold the cheese sauce beautifully.
