Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This bacon mac and cheese recipe is extra creamy, loaded with cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy bacon. Perfect as a side or cozy weeknight main.

Prep Time15

Cook Time50

Total Time1 5

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bacon mac and cheese, bacon mac and cheese recipe

Servings:

Calories: 704kcal

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the 12 ounces of bacon on the prepared baking sheet.
Place in the oven to bake for 10-20 minutes, until the bacon is crispy. Allow it to cool before chopping into smaller pieces. Set aside.
Boil the 3 cups pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Make the roux: In a large pot, melt 8 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups half and half and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the ½ teaspoon ground mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add 4 cups shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the cooked pasta and half (6 ounces) of the bacon. Mix until well coated.
Pour into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 6 ounces bacon and 1 ½ cups shredded cheese.
Mix ¼ cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden topping if desired.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

If you prefer not to cook the bacon in the oven, then you may cook it on the stovetop over medium heat until crispy.
Be sure to undercook the macaroni. It should be cooked just below al dente. It should be stiff and still have a bite to it. At this point remove it from the stovetop and drain off the water. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
Shred blocks of cheese yourself using a box grater, food processor, or stand mixer attachment. This ensures the cheese does not have any additional preservatives and melts so much better.
The type of cheese that you use is important. The best cheeses for this recipe are sharp cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or any melty cheese.
Try not to overbake your mac and cheese! It only needs to bake for about 20 minutes in the oven. Once the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly remove it from the oven. This will ensure you have creamy macaroni and cheese that is not dry and chewy. If you want the top to brown a little more, place it under the broiler for a few minutes.