Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon – The Ultimate Comfort Food!
Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta — look no further than this Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon. This dish is a mouthwatering twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe, making it richer, more flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a hearty family dinner, a holiday side dish, or a potluck favorite, this cheesy masterpiece is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream (warm)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente — about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Fry the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan (optional) for extra flavor.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream until smooth. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until completely melted and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and most of the cooked bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
5. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
6. Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with the remaining crispy bacon and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Cheese variety: Feel free to add Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a deeper flavor.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the dish in advance and bake it right before serving for fresh, cheesy perfection.
Final Thoughts
Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon is everything you want in a comfort food dish — creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and loaded with savory bacon. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again. Make it once, and it might just become a regular on your dinner table!