Here’s a rich, creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe with perfectly melty cheese sauce and crispy bacon—pure comfort food done right.
Bacon Mac and Cheese (Serves 4–6)
⏱ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 30 minutes
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Optional bake: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta & Bacon
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1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
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8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
Cheese Sauce
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk, warm
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1 cup heavy cream (optional but extra creamy)
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack, shredded
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½ cup smoked gouda or Gruyère (optional)
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Topping (Baked Version)
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¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
Directions
1. Cook Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook macaroni until just al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Bacon
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In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
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Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the skillet (discard excess).
3. Make Cheese Sauce
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Add butter to bacon fat and melt over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute (do not brown).
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Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream.
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Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
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Lower heat and stir in cheeses a handful at a time until melted.
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Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine
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Add cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the sauce.
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Stir until fully coated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Optional Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
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Mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan; sprinkle on top.
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Bake 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Tips for Ultra-Creamy Mac & Cheese
✔ Shred cheese yourself (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly)
✔ Keep heat low when adding cheese
✔ Slightly undercook pasta before baking
Variations
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Spicy: Add jalapeños or cayenne
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BBQ Bacon Mac: Add ¼ cup BBQ sauce
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Truffle: Finish with truffle oil
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Chicken Bacon Mac: Add cooked chicken