Bacon Mac and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy classic with a crispy twist. Creamy, gooey macaroni swimming in rich cheese sauce meets the smoky, salty crunch of bacon bits. It’s the kind of dish that feels warm and satisfying from the very first bite.
I love making this whenever I want something that feels like a hug on a plate. The bacon adds just the right amount of flavor and texture to the creamy mac and cheese, making every spoonful a little more exciting. If you’re like me, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one serving!
My favorite way to enjoy this is fresh out of the oven when the top is golden and slightly crispy. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra cheese or even some breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy finish. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side that always gets rave reviews from family and friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds cheese sauce well. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, try cavatappi or shells for a similar texture.
Bacon: Crisp bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch. Turkey bacon works as a leaner option but may be less crispy.
Butter & Flour (Roux): These create the thick sauce base. For gluten-free cooking, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Milk: Whole milk gives richness, but 2% milk also works. Avoid cold milk to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor; mozzarella adds creaminess and stretchiness. Feel free to mix in Colby or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Breadcrumb Topping: Optional but adds a great crunch. Use panko for extra crispness or skip if you prefer softer topping.
How Do I Make a Smooth, Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
Making the cheese sauce can seem tricky, but a few simple steps help you get it just right:
- Cook the roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until bubbly and golden. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Add warm milk slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Keep stirring the sauce and cook gently until it thickens—this usually takes 5-7 minutes.
- Turn heat to low before adding cheese to avoid the sauce becoming grainy.
- Add cheese little by little, stirring carefully until melted and smooth.
Taking your time with these steps will give you a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling pasta evenly and quickly.
- Large skillet or frying pan – great for cooking bacon and making the cheese sauce in one pan.
- Whisk – helps you mix the roux and sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet – needed for baking and browning the mac and cheese topping.
- Slotted spoon – useful for removing crispy bacon while leaving fat behind.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon with pancetta or ham for a different smoky, salty flavor.
- Add cooked broccoli or spinach for a fresh, healthy touch and color.
- Mix in pepper jack cheese for a mild spicy kick that warms each bite.
- Stir in caramelized onions or roasted garlic to deepen the flavor and add sweetness.
Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the pasta and bacon, plus 25 minutes baking time. Overall, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this creamy and delicious Bacon Mac and Cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook Macaroni:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a large skillet or baking dish. Then, cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat, adding more if needed to reach 3 tablespoons total fat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Cheese and Season:
Lower the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you like.
5. Combine and Assemble:
Add the drained macaroni and half of the crispy bacon into the cheese sauce. Gently mix until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture into the buttered skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top and scatter the rest of the bacon pieces.
6. Bake and Serve:
If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy creamy, cheesy, smoky perfection.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative, but it may not get as crispy or smoky. Cook it carefully to avoid drying it out, and add a little extra seasoning if you want more flavor.
Can I Make Bacon Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it a bit longer (about 30 minutes) to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to refresh the creamy texture if needed.
Can I Freeze This Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can! Freeze in a freezer-safe container after baking. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly.
