Busy nights can make it hard to cook something everyone will love without spending ages in the kitchen.
That’s where this Bacon Mac and Cheese comes in—a warm, rich, kid-approved recipe that’s easy to make and oh-so-satisfying.
Kids and adults alike crave that comforting, cheesy goodness, and finding a recipe that balances ease with a family-pleasing taste can feel nearly impossible.
You’ve likely tried store-bought or instant mac and cheese, but they’re never quite enough or that good, frankly. So let me show you this amazing homemade version!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 70 minutes (40 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook)
- Main Ingredients: Bacon, macaroni noodles, cheddar cheese, whole milk, butter, and more
- Servings: 6
- Extras: Pairs well with crispy fried chicken, steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic breadsticks, and more are great sides to have with bacon mac and cheese
The Ultimate Bacon Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is awesome. Bacon is awesome. So let’s combine the two and prepare them in the greatest and most indulgent way possible, shall we?
Sure… there may be some other bacon mac and cheese recipes out there, but let me tell ya – the essence of bacon is INFUSED throughout the whole recipe!
And I know you see the time, but let me tell you- the oven does most of the work! You’ll spend less than 15 minutes actually standing in the kitchen doing any cooking over the stove.
Let me show you how I did it:
I lay the bacon slices across a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet, letting them bake to crispy perfection without soaking up extra grease.
While that cooks, I get the pasta started, boiling it just until it’s slightly underdone so it can finish cooking in the oven later.
Once the bacon is done, it’s time to get the pasta into some water and make the cheese sauce.
The pasta doesn’t take more than 10 minutes, but I like to get it out of the way early on while I make the sauce.
In a large pan, I melt butter with a little of the bacon fat to give that savory taste even more depth. If you want to skip the bacon fart, use a little butter instead.
Adding green onions at this point lets them soften and add a mild bite to the sauce. Flour is the next step, and I whisk it into the melted mixture, creating a thick base for the sauce.
Slowly, I pour in the milk, constantly whisking as it heats up to a gentle bubble, thickening beautifully.
With the milk base ready, in goes the cheese—three cups, to start. I add a little salt and pepper, then chop up half the bacon and mix it right into the sauce to get bacon into every bit.
I stir in the cooked pasta, making sure every piece is coated, then pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Before baking, I top the whole thing with extra shredded cheddar and the rest of the crispy bacon bits. Popping it in the oven for a half hour brings the flavors together, and by the time it’s ready, the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 1 pound of macaroni noodles or anything really, cooked just under al dente
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp bacon fat from cooking the bacon
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a cookie sheet (with a lip/high edges) with foil, and top with a cooling rack if you have one. (This keeps bacon separate from grease)
- Lay the bacon on the rack side by side. Bake for between 15 and 20 minutes.
- While the bacon is cooking, boil your pasta. Cook it just under al dente and set that aside.
- Get your bacon out of the oven if it's done to your liking.
- Chop the bacon up and set it aside for later - but keep that bacon fat! Pour it in a jar.
- In a large sauce pan, melt 2 Tbsp of butter with 2 Tbsp of the bacon fat over medium heat. Or swap the butter for 4 Tbsp of bacon fat for more bacon flavor.
- Once the butter has melted and mixed with the bacon fat, add the chopped green onions. Mix them up for a few minutes to soften them.
- Add the flour and whisk like crazy until it's well blended.
- Add the milk. Slowly heat while whisking until is starts to bubble.
- Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the chopped bacon. Mix it well until it's nice and smooth. Remove the pan from heat.
- Add the pasta to the pan and mix it evenly into the cheese sauce.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with the remaining cup of shredded cheese and the remaining chopped bacon.
- Bake for about 30 minutes. Then enjoy!
Nutrition
Recipe Substitutions & Additions
Want to make some changes to my bacon mac and cheese? No worries, I’ve got plenty of recommendations of things to alter or to add!
Here are so swaps I’ve made over the years:
The Meat
For a fun twist, try substituting the bacon with different types of meats.
Pancetta adds a refined, slightly salty flavor that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Prosciutto brings a delicate, savory flavor and becomes wonderfully crispy, blending seamlessly into the sauce.
Smoked sausage gives a bold, hearty element, and sliced or diced pieces add a satisfying, meaty bite.
Or, for a healthier swap, consider turkey bacon or chicken sausage, which still offer savory flavors but with less fat. I’m not super into this one, the taste doesn’t hit as well, but some swaps have to be made to fit your needs!
The Cheese
For a more complex flavor, try mixing in Gruyere, which has a nutty richness, or gouda for a creamy, slightly sweet taste.
Monterey Jack or Colby Jack melt effortlessly, adding a mild creaminess that balances sharper flavors.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, add a bit of pepper jack or smoked cheddar to enhance the bacon’s smokiness.
And for a decadent touch, brie melts into the sauce for a super creamy, luxurious texture.
The Pasta
You can use any pasta you prefer, like shells or rotini, which hold the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
Shells or rotini are great options because they catch the cheese sauce in every nook and cranny.
Rigatoni and penne also work well, providing a firmer bite that holds up to the sauce.
For a fun twist, try cavatappi or corkscrew pasta, which brings extra texture to each bite.
Even whole-grain or chickpea pasta can be used for a slightly healthier spin, giving you added fiber and protein without compromising on taste.
The Seasoning
Fresh herbs can brighten up this rich dish and give it some new flavors.
Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and a light, fresh taste. Or want it spicy? Don’t forget to grab some hot sauce!
Or try chopped chives or green onions add a mild onion flavor that balances the cheese and bacon.
For a deeper flavor, sprinkle a little thyme or rosemary into the cheese sauce while it cooks, adding a subtle, earthy aroma.
A bit of mustard powder in the cheese sauce can also elevate the dish by bringing out the cheese’s depth. Trust me, it’s not like eating a mustard sauce though!
Tasty Add-Ins
Adding a few vegetables can elevate the flavor and texture while sneaking in extra nutrients!
Chopped bell peppers add a pop of color and sweetness that balances the savory cheese and bacon.
Broccoli florets offer a fresh, earthy contrast to the creamy sauce, and their texture holds up well in the oven.
Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, umami flavor and make the dish feel more hearty and filling.
Adding fried onions or crispy shallots on top also adds flavor and texture that perfectly complements the creamy base.
To add a different crunch on top, consider sprinkling a mixture of panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter for a golden, crispy layer.
Or try crumbled Ritz crackers or crushed potato chips for a salty, crispy finish that kids and adults alike will love.
Serving Suggestions
Now many of us will be satisfied by a loaded mac and cheese alone, but sometimes the mac and cheese needs a crispy side to or is the tasty side dish.
Here are ways that I’ve served up my bacon mac and cheese:
- Crispy Fried Chicken – Who else likes KFC at home? The crunchy, golden coating of fried chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of Bacon Mac and Cheese, giving a balanced bite of flavors and textures.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a fresh, mild flavor and a bit of crunch, cutting through the richness of the cheese and bacon. Add some garlic and parmesan cheese, and I’m a happy lady!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts provide a savory contrast that complements the smoky bacon and gooey cheese.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, warm garlic breadsticks are ideal for soaking up the extra cheese sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Side Salad with Vinaigrette – A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate and balances the indulgence of the dish.
- Grilled Asparagus – Grilled asparagus brings a smoky, earthy taste that pairs well with the hearty flavors of the mac and cheese.
- Sliced Tomatoes with Salt and Pepper – Fresh, juicy tomatoes add brightness and a touch of acidity that lightens up the dish beautifully.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots – The natural sweetness of honey-glazed carrots contrasts with the savory mac and cheese, making each forkful interesting.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet, buttery corn on the cob brings a summery, comforting feel to the meal, enhancing the comfort food vibe.
- Apple Coleslaw – A cool apple coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and sweetness that balances out the creamy, savory flavors of the main dish.
FAQs
How do I make sure my cheese sauce stays smooth?
To keep your sauce from becoming grainy, add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly over low heat until melted. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely, make the mac and cheese style that you prefer! Shells, rotini, or penne work great because they hold the sauce well.
If you do long pasta, I suggest saving some pasta water to make it easier to mix- a runnier sauce is a bit better for that since the cheese gets thick.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the cheese sauce and cook the pasta up to a day ahead. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
While this dish is meant to be indulgent, you can reduce calories by using low-fat milk and turkey bacon, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. You can even try making a Vegan version of this Mac.
What’s the best way to reheat this?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through. A little milk added to the top helps keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to comfort food, Bacon Mac and Cheese never fails.
Each bite brings a creamy, cheesy goodness, layered with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon.
It’s easy to make, family-approved, and definitely worth the little bit of extra effort to cook from scratch.
So next time you’re craving something truly satisfying, try this recipe for a twist on a classic that brings everyone to the table happy and hungry.
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