ULTIMATE BACON MAC CHEESE – easymealstoprep

I remember the first time I tried Bacon Mac and Cheese at a small diner in my hometown. The smoky bacon, the creamy cheese sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta—it was pure comfort food bliss. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most decadent, unforgettable Bacon Mac and Cheese you’ll ever make!

Why This Bacon Mac and Cheese Will Rock Your World

Okay, let’s be real. Mac and cheese is already pretty amazing. But adding crispy, salty bacon? It takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. This isn’t just any mac and cheese recipe; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds!). We’re talking perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce made with a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor, and crispy, smoky bacon bits sprinkled throughout. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

• The Cheese Blend: We’re not just using cheddar here, folks. We’re creating a flavor explosion with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and a touch of Parmesan.
• The Bacon: We’re not skimping on the bacon! We want it crispy, flavorful, and plentiful.
• The Creamy Sauce: This isn’t your average watery cheese sauce. We’re making a roux-based sauce that’s rich, velvety, and coats every single noodle perfectly.
• The Baking (Optional but Recommended): Baking the mac and cheese at the end creates a golden, bubbly top that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these on hand already!

• Pasta: 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta shape)
• Bacon: 1 pound, cooked and crumbled
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• Flour: ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Milk: 4 cups whole milk
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Cheese:
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Optional Toppings: Breadcrumbs, paprika, chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Some Magic!

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Resist the urge to eat it all!
3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is your roux – the base of your creamy sauce!
4. Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Don’t rush this step! Patience is key to a creamy sauce.
6. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Keep stirring until everything is perfectly melted. You should have a glorious, cheesy river of goodness.
7. Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the pepper – it really complements the cheese and bacon.
8. Combine Pasta, Bacon, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Make sure every noodle is coated in that luscious sauce.
9. Bake (Optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs (if using) and a sprinkle of paprika. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and enjoy! Prepare for rave reviews.

Success Tips for the Best Bacon Mac and Cheese Ever

Want to make sure your Bacon Mac and Cheese is a masterpiece? Here are a few golden tips that will guarantee success:

• Use High-Quality Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! Use the best quality cheese you can afford for the most flavorful results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shred your own cheese for the best texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will turn mushy in the mac and cheese. Cook it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.
• Make a Smooth Roux: A smooth roux is essential for a creamy sauce. Make sure to whisk the flour and butter together thoroughly and cook it for a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Grate the Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cellulose to prevent clumping, which can hinder its melting ability. Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly into your sauce.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder to achieve the perfect flavor.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

This recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Veggies: Stir in some cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach for a healthier twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Try adding some Gouda, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.
• Top It Off: Get creative with your toppings! Try crushed potato chips, fried onions, or even a drizzle of truffle oil.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious option.
• Garlic Bread: A classic side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Coleslaw: The tangy sweetness of coleslaw complements the savory flavors of the mac and cheese.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? This Bacon Mac and Cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bake it according to the recipe instructions before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Let’s Talk About the Pasta

While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, don’t feel limited! Other short pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini work beautifully. The key is to choose a pasta with ridges or curves that will hold onto the creamy cheese sauce. Think about it: the more surface area, the more cheese clings on! And speaking of cheesy goodness, have you ever tried CHEDDAR CHILI MAC? CHEDDAR CHILI MAC It’s a wonderful twist on a classic!

Adding Protein Power

Bacon is fantastic, but sometimes you might want to mix things up a bit. Consider adding shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even some sautéed shrimp to your Bacon Mac and Cheese. Each protein adds a unique layer of flavor and texture that can transform the dish. And if you’re a fan of chicken and pasta, you absolutely HAVE to try Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta sometime. It’s a flavor explosion!

Elevating Your Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the heart and soul of any mac and cheese recipe. While the blend of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan is amazing, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Smoked Gouda adds a wonderful smoky flavor, while Fontina melts beautifully and creates a wonderfully creamy texture. A touch of cream cheese can also add extra richness and tanginess. Speaking of creamy textures, for another incredible pasta dish, consider Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy PastaGarlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta.

Spice It Up!

Don’t be afraid to add a little heat to your Bacon Mac and Cheese. A pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapenos can add a welcome kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also try using a spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, for a more pronounced heat. You could even emulate the flavors of HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN, by adding some honey and red pepper flakes to your mac and cheese.

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to making the best Bacon Mac and Cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese. Freshly cooked bacon is always going to be more flavorful than pre-cooked bacon bits. And using whole milk and heavy cream will result in a richer, creamier sauce. Thinking about using fresh ingredients, have you considered trying the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Conclusion: Your Bacon Mac and Cheese Adventure Awaits!

There you have it! My ultimate recipe for the most amazing Bacon Mac and Cheese you’ll ever make. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about creating something delicious and comforting that you can share with the people you love. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Ultimate Bacon Mac and Cheese

Amelia

This Ultimate Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe features perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce made with a blend of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, and crispy, smoky bacon bits throughout. Baking it at the end creates a golden, bubbly top that’s simply irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 800 kcal

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
• Optional: Paprika for topping
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

• Cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

• In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is your roux.

• Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.

• Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Keep stirring until everything is perfectly melted.

• Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

• Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is well combined.

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

• Top with breadcrumbs (if using) and a sprinkle of paprika.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

• Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and enjoy!

For the best flavor, use high-quality cheese and freshly grated cheese. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. A smooth roux is key for a creamy sauce, so whisk the flour and butter thoroughly. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gouda or Fontina.