Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Bacon Mac & Cheese is a classic comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon and tender pasta. This dish takes the beloved childhood favorite to a new level, making it perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Everyone will love this rich and indulgent meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this Bacon Mac & Cheese because it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to kids and adults alike. It’s rich and creamy, thanks to the combination of cheeses, while the bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also easy on the budget, making it great for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. It’s that warm and satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate!

How to Make Bacon Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• Caramelized Onions (Optional)2 large yellow onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Mac and Cheese6 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

Directions:

1. Start by slicing the onions into even, ¼-inch slices.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat. Allow them to caramelize for 40-50 minutes, stirring every few minutes. If they cook too quickly, reduce the heat. Once caramelized, remove and set aside.
3. While the onions are cooking, cut the bacon into thirds for even cooking. Add them to a large, high-walled skillet over low heat and cook until crispy on each side. Tip: Measure out the other ingredients while the bacon cooks.
4. Remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 4 tablespoons of bacon drippings, or use butter if you don’t have enough drippings.
5. Boil salted water for the pasta shells at this point.
6. Heat the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
7. Gradually add the heavy cream in splashes, stirring to prevent breaking the roux. Add the milk in the same manner.
8. Stir in the mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
9. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions, and then drain.
10. Lower the heat of the sauce and let it cool slightly. Gradually sprinkle in the cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated.
11. Mix in the caramelized onions and drained pasta using a silicone spatula until well combined.
12. Roughly chop the bacon and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese. You can stir some in if you’d like.
13. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

How to Serve Bacon Mac & Cheese

Serve this Bacon Mac & Cheese warm in individual bowls or a large serving dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra cheese on top. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out your meal.

How to Store Bacon Mac & Cheese

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure it cools completely before putting it in the freezer, and it should last for about 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to regain creaminess.

Tips to Make Bacon Mac & Cheese

• For extra flavor, try adding some spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
• If you love a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter before baking it in the oven.
• Feel free to adjust the types of cheese to your liking. Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice twist.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes! You can skip the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or vegetables for a vegetarian option.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming dry when reheating?

Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Bacon Mac & Cheese

A classic comfort food combining creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon and tender pasta, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Caramelized Onions (Optional)

• 2 large yellow onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mac and Cheese

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon (hickory smoked)
• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by slicing the onions into even, ¼-inch slices.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat. Allow them to caramelize for 40-50 minutes, stirring every few minutes. If they cook too quickly, reduce the heat. Once caramelized, remove and set aside.
3. While the onions are cooking, cut the bacon into thirds for even cooking. Add them to a large, high-walled skillet over low heat and cook until crispy on each side. Tip: Measure out the other ingredients while the bacon cooks.
4. Remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 4 tablespoons of bacon drippings, or use butter if you don’t have enough drippings.
5. Boil salted water for the pasta shells at this point.

Cooking

1. Heat the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the heavy cream in splashes, stirring to prevent breaking the roux. Add the milk in the same manner.
3. Stir in the mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions, and then drain.
5. Lower the heat of the sauce and let it cool slightly. Gradually sprinkle in the cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated.
6. Mix in the caramelized onions and drained pasta using a silicone spatula until well combined.
7. Roughly chop the bacon and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese. You can stir some in if you’d like.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it after cooling completely, lasting about 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to regain creaminess. For extra flavor, try adding some spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. For a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking it.