Bacon Mac and Cheese

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Introduction

When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is a rich, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese. But, of course, if you want to make it even better, you add crispy bacon. I mean, why not, right? Bacon takes everything to the next level, and when combined with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s nothing short of magic.

I first made this dish on a lazy Sunday, looking for something warm and indulgent to enjoy while watching my favorite show. I threw together some ingredients I had on hand, and to my surprise, it turned out amazing. Since then, it’s become a family favorite—whether as a side dish or a main course. The crispy bacon provides a salty, smoky crunch that complements the gooey cheese sauce, making each bite unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Versatile
    This dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or as a potluck contribution, it’s always a hit.

  • Budget-Friendly
    Mac and cheese is an affordable dish to make, and adding bacon is a cost-effective way to elevate the flavors without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for the Recipe

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

  • 6 slices of turkey bacon (or regular bacon)

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add a pinch of salt and the elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice). Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You’ll want it ready for the cheesy sauce.

  2. Cook the Bacon
    In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. This will take about 5–7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.

  3. Make the Cheese Sauce
    In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk constantly to create a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce. Continue whisking for about 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and turns a light golden color.

  4. Add Milk and Seasonings
    Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while continuing to whisk. This helps to avoid any lumps in the sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take around 3–4 minutes.

  5. Melt the Cheese
    Once your sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

  6. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
    Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy goodness. Make sure each noodle is covered in the creamy sauce.

  7. Add Bacon
    Finally, stir in the chopped bacon, saving a little for garnish if you like. The crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch and smoky flavor to the creamy mac and cheese.

  8. Serve and Garnish
    Once everything is combined, transfer your bacon mac and cheese to serving bowls. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and the remaining crispy bacon pieces. You can also add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

Quick and Easy

This bacon mac and cheese recipe is surprisingly quick for how indulgent it is. With just a few simple steps, you can have a rich, cheesy dish ready in under 30 minutes. The stovetop method keeps things fast, so you won’t need to bake it in the oven unless you want an extra crispy top.

The best part? You can easily double or triple this recipe for a crowd or leftovers. It’s one of those dishes that only gets better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Customizable

This recipe is highly customizable based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the cheeses for your favorites. Gouda, Parmesan, or pepper jack would all make great additions. You can even add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce for an extra rich texture.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter. You could also substitute the turkey bacon for a vegetarian option like tempeh or skip the bacon altogether for a vegetarian dish.

Want to spice it up? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick. For an even more hearty dish, throw in some cooked chicken or veggies like spinach or mushrooms.

Perfect for Guests

This bacon mac and cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner party or potluck. You can easily serve it as a main dish or as a side to complement other hearty foods like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

It’s an especially great option for casual get-togethers, since it can be made ahead of time and reheated when guests arrive. Just be sure to save some extra bacon to top it off before serving for that extra wow factor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular bacon if you prefer. Just cook it until it’s crispy, and then chop it into small pieces to mix into the mac and cheese. The regular bacon will add a richer, smokier flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. If you want a crispy top, you can even bake it for 10–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta in this recipe without any issue. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available, such as rice or corn-based pasta, that will work perfectly in this dish.

What can I substitute for the mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, you can substitute it with any mild, meltable cheese such as Monterey Jack or Gouda. These will melt beautifully into the sauce and add a smooth, creamy texture.

How can I make the mac and cheese spicier?
For an extra spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce, or stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference!

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