Rich and Creamy Baked Bacon Macaroni Cheese Recipe

Oh, friends, there’s truly nothing quite like diving into a steaming, bubbling dish of ultimate comfort food: a truly rich and creamy bacon macaroni cheese! It’s that magical combination of tender pasta, a velvety cheese sauce, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon that just sings to the soul. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming embrace, a culinary hug that takes you right back to the simplest, happiest moments at the dinner table.

I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, always said the best meals were made with love, patience, and a little bit of butter. She’d be so proud of how I’ve adapted and experimented over the years, learning to coax the most delightful flavors from humble ingredients. This recipe is a testament to those kitchen lessons, blending nostalgia with a touch of modern flair to create something truly special.

What I adore most about this baked bacon macaroni cheese is how wonderfully versatile and deeply satisfying it is. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a potluck showstopper that always disappears first. Plus, my top tip for any home baker: always taste your cheese sauce as you go – it’s the secret to ensuring that perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For our rich and creamy bacon macaroni cheese, we rely on a trio of cheeses that melt into pure bliss: sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and a secret touch of cream cheese for unparalleled smoothness. Along with thick-cut bacon and hearty elbow macaroni, these ingredients form the foundation of a truly unforgettable dish. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements waiting for you in the recipe card below.

How to Make bacon macaroni cheese

Making this delightful bacon macaroni cheese is a journey of simple, joyful steps, each building towards that glorious, golden-brown bubbly perfection. We begin by crisping up that beautiful thick-cut bacon, filling your kitchen with an aroma that’s pure magic. Then, while our macaroni cooks to a tender al dente, we whisk together a luscious, smooth cheese sauce, brimming with flavor from Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Finally, everything comes together in a baking dish, topped with a crunchy Panko and Parmesan crust, ready for its golden transformation in the oven. It’s a process that feels as good as it tastes!

Ultimate Crispy Bacon Mac & Cheese

This rich and creamy homemade macaroni and cheese is elevated with abundant crispy bacon bits and finished with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Bacon

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

For the Pasta

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 tsp salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk warmed slightly is best
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, about 12 oz
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese freshly grated, about 4 oz
• 2 oz cream cheese cubed, softened

For the Topping

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Large Skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Whisk

Method

 

Prepare the Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This typically takes 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet (optional, for flavor, or discard).

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente (about 1 minute less than suggested). Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Do not let it brown.
2. Gradually whisk in the warmed whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add the grated sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Assemble and Bake

1. Add the drained cooked macaroni and about two-thirds of the crispy bacon bits to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
2. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Scatter the remaining crispy bacon bits over the topping.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, you can swap a portion of the milk (up to 1 cup) for chicken broth or even a dry white wine. To make ahead, assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Pro Tips for Making This bacon macaroni cheese

Achieving that perfect, soul-warming bacon macaroni cheese is easier than you think with a few of my tried-and-true tricks.

• Render the Bacon Just Right: Don’t rush the bacon! Cooking it slowly over medium heat allows the fat to render properly, resulting in perfectly crisp pieces every time. This also creates a flavorful fat that we’ll use to start our roux.
• The Cream Cheese Secret: My top tip is to ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This helps it melt smoothly and effortlessly, preventing any lumps and ensuring that incredibly velvety texture we’re aiming for.
• Whisk Away Lumps: When making your cheese sauce, keep whisking! A continuous whisk as you add the milk and cheeses will prevent lumps, giving you a gorgeously smooth and cohesive sauce that coats every piece of macaroni perfectly.
• My Secret Trick: I always make sure to undercook the macaroni by a minute or two from the package directions. It will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring it stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t become mushy in the baked bacon macaroni cheese.

Fun Variations for bacon macaroni cheese

One of the joys of baking at home is the freedom to play and adapt, transforming your bacon macaroni cheese into a personalized masterpiece. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Spice It Up

For those who love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cheese sauce, or even a diced jalapeño alongside the bacon. My friend, Mark, loves when I add a dash of hot sauce right before serving for an extra kick!

Veggie Boost

Want to sneak in some greens? Sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or even roasted broccoli florets can be stirred into the macaroni and cheese before baking. It adds a lovely texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Different Cheeses

While cheddar and Gruyere are a classic for a reason, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. A smoky Gouda, a sharp Asiago, or even a touch of blue cheese can add intriguing new dimensions. My sister loves when I use a blend with a little smoked cheddar for an even deeper flavor.

What to Serve With bacon macaroni cheese

This glorious bacon macaroni cheese is a meal in itself, but a few simple additions can truly elevate the experience and complement the richness of this fantastic dish. Think about fresh, bright flavors to cut through the creaminess.

I love serving it alongside a crisp, green salad with a zesty vinaigrette – the fresh crunch and tang are just perfect. Another easy pairing is some steamed green beans or asparagus, simply tossed with a little lemon and garlic. My mom always said a little something green makes any meal feel complete! And for a truly comforting touch, a warm, crusty bread for dipping into any leftover cheesy goodness is always a winner.

How to Store bacon macaroni cheese

If by some miracle you have any leftover bacon macaroni cheese, don’t fret – it stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its comforting deliciousness again!

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover baked bacon macaroni cheese to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like storing it in smaller portions so it’s easy to grab for a quick lunch!

Reheating Tips

To reheat, you can either warm individual servings in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or cover a larger portion with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. My personal tip: add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to help bring back that beautiful creaminess!

Nutritional Benefits

While our comforting bacon macaroni cheese is undoubtedly an indulgence, it also provides a satisfying blend of protein from the cheeses and bacon, along with carbohydrates from the pasta for sustained energy. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing in its own hearty way, crafted with wholesome ingredients for a truly joyful meal.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this bacon macaroni cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon macaroni cheese up to the point of baking. Assemble it in your dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come closer to room temperature before baking, and you might need a few extra minutes of bake time.

Faq 2

What kind of bacon is best for this recipe?

I always recommend using thick-cut bacon for this recipe! Its substantial texture holds up beautifully against the creamy sauce and tender pasta, and it provides that satisfying crispy bite that elevates the flavor of your bacon macaroni cheese.

Faq 3

Why is cream cheese used in the sauce?

Cream cheese is my secret ingredient for achieving an incredibly smooth and velvety texture in the sauce. It adds a subtle tang and a richness that makes the macaroni and cheese exceptionally creamy without making it overly heavy.

Faq 4

Can I make this without Panko breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! While Panko adds a wonderful crisp texture, you can certainly skip them. Alternatively, you could use crushed crackers, regular breadcrumbs, or even a sprinkling of extra Parmesan cheese for a different kind of golden crust.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends – a recipe for the ultimate rich and creamy baked bacon macaroni cheese that is sure to bring smiles and comfort to your table. This dish truly embodies the spirit of joyful, home-baked goodness, reminding us that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can create magical memories. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to create a dish that will warm hearts and fill your home with the most wonderful aromas. Happy baking!