Mac and Cheese Bacon

This decadent bacon mac and cheese elevates the classic comfort food to new heights with its rich, creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon topping. The combination of American cheese and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness that clings beautifully to every pasta bite.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic holiday season when family was visiting, and it's now become our go-to dish whenever someone needs a bit of comfort food. The looks of pure joy when I pull this bubbling dish from the oven never get old.

Ingredients

• 2 packs of American cheese slices: provides the creamy meltability that makes this mac and cheese so smooth
• 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese: adds that nutty depth and creates a delicious golden crust on top
• 500 grams of elbow macaroni: cooked and drained choose a good quality pasta that will hold the sauce well
• 30 grams of butter: creates the base for your sauce and adds richness
• 600 ml of warm milk: using warm milk helps the cheese melt more evenly without cooling down the mixture
• 1 cup of crispy bacon: chopped look for thick cut bacon for best texture and flavor contrast
• Salt and white pepper: to taste white pepper keeps the sauce looking pristine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create The Base:

Melt the butter with the warm milk in a large skillet over medium heat. This gradual warming process prevents the milk from scorching and creates the perfect environment for the cheese to melt smoothly. Take your time with this step to ensure the butter fully incorporates into the milk.

Add The Cheese:

Add the American cheese slices to the warm milk mixture and stir continuously until completely melted and combined. You'll want to watch for a silky texture with no lumps. This is where you'll season with salt and white pepper, tasting as you go to get the perfect balance.

Combine With Pasta:

Add your cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta gets coated evenly with the creamy mixture. The pasta should be slightly undercooked before this step as it will continue to soften in the oven.

Prepare For Baking:

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This is the moment to sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces across the top, followed by an even layer of Parmesan cheese which will create that irresistible golden crust.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake at 180°C for about 10 minutes or until you see those beautiful bubbles forming and the top turning a gorgeous golden brown. The edges should start to get slightly crispy which creates a wonderful textural contrast.

Serve Immediately:

Serve your mac and cheese hot from the oven to experience the full glory of the stretchy cheese pulls and crispy topping. Let it rest for just 2 minutes before serving to help it set slightly.

Pin it

This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house, where mac and cheese was always on the table. She taught me that the secret to truly exceptional mac and cheese isn't fancy ingredients but the love and care you put into each step. I still use her old cast iron skillet when making this recipe, and I swear it tastes better for it.

Make Ahead Magic

This mac and cheese can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake for 15 minutes instead of 10 to ensure it heats through completely.

Storage Solutions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and cover with foil before warming in a 325°F oven until heated through. This prevents the mac and cheese from drying out and restores much of its original creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the texture uneven.

Pin it

Creative Variations

While the bacon in this recipe adds amazing flavor, you can customize this base to suit your taste. Try adding caramelized onions for sweetness, jalapeños for heat, or lobster for a luxurious twist. For a breadcrumb topping, mix panko with melted butter and a bit more Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top before baking for extra crunch. My family loves when I add roasted garlic for depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor profile. Be sure the cheese melts well.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to heat through.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at a low temperature or in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure any pre-shredded cheese or bacon bits are labeled gluten-free.