Bacon Mac and Cheese

Bacon Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly satisfying. This classic American dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce enhanced by the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Every bite delivers layers of rich flavors: the buttery smoothness of the cheese, the warmth of the spices, and the irresistible smokiness of bacon.

It’s a dish that appeals to all ages and tastes, effortlessly bridging nostalgia and indulgence. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, a holiday side, or a potluck, Bacon Mac and Cheese always stands out. It brings people together with its aroma alone and gets devoured quickly every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort and gourmet flair. The bacon gives it a deep smoky flavor, while the creamy cheese sauce keeps everything luxuriously smooth.

The combination of cheddar and mozzarella (or Gruyère, if you want it fancier) creates a sauce that is rich but never heavy, silky but never runny.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Comfort food at its finest: Warm, creamy, cheesy perfection.
• Smoky depth from bacon: Adds a restaurant-quality richness.
• Easy to prepare: Made with simple techniques and pantry staples.
• Customizable: Change cheeses, add veggies, or spice it up.
• A crowd favorite: Always the first dish empty at gatherings.
• Feeds many: Great for parties, holidays, and potlucks.

If you want a dish that makes everyone smile, warms your soul, and satisfies even the pickiest eaters, Bacon Mac and Cheese is one you absolutely must make.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Course: Main Course / Side Dish
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Calories: Approximately 550–650 calories per serving (varies depending on cheese and bacon amount)

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

For the Bacon

• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

For the Cheese Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but delicious)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Topping (for baked version)

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease.
2. Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pot, melt butter (and bacon grease if using).
4. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened.
6. Add shredded cheeses and stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
8. Fold in pasta and bacon.
9. Serve creamy or bake with breadcrumb topping until golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chopped bacon and fry until crisp.
• Remove bacon to paper towels.
• Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
• Drain and set aside (do not overcook; it will soften later with the sauce).

Step 3: Make the Roux

• In a large saucepan or pot, melt butter and bacon grease.
• Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until lightly bubbling.
• This is the base of your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cream

• Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking continuously.
• Cook 3–5 minutes until thickened and silky.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

• Turn heat to low.
• Add cheddar and mozzarella/Gruyère a handful at a time.
• Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Add:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Taste and adjust.

Step 7: Combine Everything

• Add drained pasta and crispy bacon into the cheese sauce.
• Stir gently to coat every piece.

Step 8 (Optional): Bake with Topping

• Mix panko, butter, and Parmesan.
• Spread mac and cheese into a baking dish.
• Sprinkle topping evenly.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve Bacon Mac and Cheese hot and creamy. Pair it with:

• Grilled chicken
• Roasted vegetables
• Salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread
• BBQ dishes
• Fried chicken
• Holiday spreads

Garnish with parsley, extra bacon, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Recipe Tips

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Don’t overcook pasta: It will continue cooking in the sauce.
• Use whole milk or cream: Gives the richest, silkiest texture.
• Add bacon last: Keeps it crisp.
• Adjust thickness: Add milk if sauce gets too thick.
• Mix cheese varieties: Cheddar for sharpness, Gruyère for nuttiness, mozzarella for smooth melt.

Variations

1. Spicy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Add:

• 1 diced jalapeño
• ½ teaspoon cayenne
• Hot sauce in the cheese sauce

2. Loaded Bacon Mac and Cheese

Stir in:

• Caramelized onions
• Roasted garlic
• Peas or broccoli
• Grilled chicken

3. Four-Cheese Version

Combine:

• Cheddar
• Gruyère
• Parmesan
• Fontina

Ultra-rich and decadent.

4. BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese

Add:

• ¼ cup BBQ sauce to cheese sauce
• Crispy onion strings on top

5. Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites

Press into muffin tins, bake, and serve as appetizers.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator Storage

• Keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Add a splash of milk when reheating.

Freezing

• Freeze fully cooled mac and cheese for 1–2 months.
• Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat gently with added milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Note: Baked versions freeze slightly better due to the topping.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Skillet for bacon
• Whisk
• Baking dish (if baking)
• Cheese grater

Conclusion

Bacon Mac and Cheese is everything comfort food should be—creamy, cheesy, smoky, cozy, and utterly satisfying. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy nights, special occasions, or anytime you want something indulgent and heartwarming. With customizable flavors, easy steps, and ingredients you likely already have, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.