If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in a cozy hug, then this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe is just what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, often making an appearance at family gatherings or during those chilly nights when comfort food calls. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch that balances beautifully with the rich cheese sauce and tender pasta.

What makes this dish truly special is how easy it is to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this Bacon Mac & Cheese will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting flavors: The blend of cheeses and bacon creates a rich, savory experience that feels like home.
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this dish on the table without breaking a sweat.
Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the creamy goodness of mac and cheese topped with crispy bacon.
Versatile dish: Perfect for any occasion—be it a potluck, game night, or just because you deserve it!
Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this ahead of time and bake it right before serving, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly delicious. Gather these items from your kitchen:

For the Caramelized Onions (Optional)

2 large yellow onions
2 Tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mac and Cheese

6 strips thick-cut bacon, hickory smoked is great
1 lb. medium pasta shells
1/4 cup butter (not needed if you have enough bacon drippings)
1/4 cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Variations

This Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Swap the protein: Try using turkey bacon or chicken sausage for a lighter twist while still keeping that savory flavor.
Add veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition—your kids might not even notice!
Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
Top it off: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with herbs on top before baking for an added crunchy texture.

How to Make Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by slicing your onions into even ¼-inch slices. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the onions and toss them gently to coat. Let them caramelize slowly over 40-50 minutes; this step enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your dish. Keep stirring occasionally until they reach that golden-brown perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While those onions are getting all deliciously caramelized, cut your bacon into thirds. Place them in a large skillet over low heat to cook slowly until they crisp up nicely on both sides. This method ensures they render their fat without burning—plus, you’ll have some lovely drippings to use later!

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Once your bacon is crispy (and you’ve set it aside on paper towels), reserve about 4 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet. If there isn’t enough drippings left behind after cooking the bacon, feel free to add some butter! Heat those drippings over medium heat and whisk in flour until smooth—this will serve as your roux. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.

Step 4: Add Cream and Milk

Next up! Gradually add heavy cream in splashes while stirring continuously; this helps prevent any lumps from forming. Follow with milk in the same manner. This creates a velvety base for your sauce that’s just divine.

Step 5: Season It Up

Sprinkle in your mustard powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce into the mixture. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing it down to simmering heat—a crucial step that allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Cook Your Pasta

While your sauce simmers away, don’t forget about your pasta! Cook it until just al dente according to package instructions—overcooked pasta won’t hold its shape once mixed into our luscious cheese sauce.

Step 7: Combine Everything Together

Once drained, reduce the heat of your sauce to low and let it cool slightly before gradually adding in all that wonderful cheese—stirring continuously until every last bit melts into gooey goodness! Then mix in your caramelized onions followed by the drained pasta until everything is combined perfectly.

Step 8: Add Bacon Goodness!

Roughly chop your crispy bacon and sprinkle it atop your mac and cheese masterpiece—you can stir some of it in too if you like! This adds bursts of flavor throughout every bite.

Step 9: Serve It Up!

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and get ready to dig into this comforting bowl of joy! Serve warm and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Enjoy making this delightful Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe—it’s sure to become a beloved staple at your table too!

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Making the perfect Bacon Mac & Cheese is all about technique and a few simple tricks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

Use quality cheese: Opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses like Gruyere and sharp cheddar to enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese. The better the cheese, the creamier and more flavorful your sauce will be!
Don’t overcook your pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente before adding it to the cheese sauce. This ensures that it doesn’t become mushy when baked or mixed with the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water: Before draining your pasta, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. If your cheese sauce seems too thick, you can gradually add a little pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or even crushed crackers can add a delightful crunch when baked on top.
Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Just assemble everything beforehand and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake until heated through for an easy weeknight dinner.

How to Serve Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

When it comes to serving Bacon Mac & Cheese, presentation matters just as much as taste! Here are some ideas to make your dish shine at any meal.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley adds color and freshness that beautifully contrasts with the creamy mac and cheese.
Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked pepper not only adds flavor but also gives a sophisticated touch to your dish.
Extra cheese: For those who can never have enough cheese, a handful of shredded cheddar or Gruyere on top right before serving makes it indulgently rich!

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: A classic side that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy goodness. The crispy exterior and soft interior make garlic bread an irresistible addition.
Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of mac and cheese.
Steamed Broccoli: This veggie side is not only healthy but also adds a pop of color! Tossed in olive oil and seasoned lightly, steam until tender-crisp.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a delightful earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy dish.

Enjoy serving this warm bowl of comfort food at your next gathering or cozy night in!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious comfort food any day of the week without the fuss. With a few simple storage tips, you can keep your leftovers fresh and tasty!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before storing.
Transfer it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the mac and cheese cool completely.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish.

Can I make this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the bacon with plant-based bacon or omit it altogether. You could also try adding sautéed mushrooms or vegetables for extra flavor.

What type of pasta works best for this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe?

Medium pasta shells are ideal as they hold the cheese sauce well. However, you can also use elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer.

How can I make this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare it fully and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving, ensuring it’s warmed through and creamy!

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe is a true comfort food classic that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do—it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends! Happy cooking!

Chicken Mac & Cheese

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves approximately 6
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in our creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite. This delightful dish combines tender pasta shells enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, enhanced by the rich flavors of hickory smoked turkey bacon and caramelized onions. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe is an easy-to-follow favorite that will please both kids and adults alike. With its cheesy goodness and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your household.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb medium pasta shells
4 strips turkey bacon (or chicken sausage)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
Spices: mustard powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, hot sauce
2 large yellow onions
2 Tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Caramelize the onions by slicing them and cooking slowly in butter and olive oil until golden brown (about 40–50 minutes).
Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy; reserve drippings.
Make the cheese sauce by whisking flour into reserved drippings, then gradually adding cream and milk until smooth.
Stir in spices and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook pasta until al dente; drain and mix with cheese sauce, caramelized onions, and chopped bacon.
Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.