There are few dishes as universally beloved as a classic mac ‘n’ cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug on a plate. But what if you could take that beloved classic and elevate it to an entirely new level of deliciousness? Enter Bacon Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese. This isn’t just your ordinary cheesy pasta; it’s a symphony of creamy, gooey cheese, tender macaroni, and generous chunks of crispy, smoky bacon, all crowned with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in record time and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to ditch the boxed stuff forever – this is the homemade mac ‘n’ cheese you’ve been dreaming of.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that comfort food should be truly comforting, and this Bacon Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese absolutely delivers. What makes this recipe a personal favorite is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, salty bacon perfectly complements the rich, creamy cheese sauce, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives you that perfect blend of sharpness and stretchiness, and the crispy breadcrumb topping adds that much-needed crunch. It’s hearty, satisfying, and always a huge hit, whether I’m making it for a family dinner or a potluck. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make from scratch, making it an achievable luxury any day of the week.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this decadent Bacon Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni noodles (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for the topping, optional but recommended)
Swaps and Notes
This recipe is fantastic as is, but here are some ways to customize it to your liking:
- Pasta: While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use cavatappi, shells, or rotini for different textures that hold the sauce beautifully.
- Bacon: If you want an extra smoky flavor, use thick-cut bacon. You can also use pancetta for a slightly different savory note. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
- Cheese: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese blend! Gruyere, Fontina, Colby Jack, or even a touch of smoked Gouda would be delicious additions or substitutions. Just make sure they’re good melting cheeses.
- Milk: For an extra creamy sauce, you can use half-and-half or even heavy cream instead of whole milk.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give you an even crispier topping. You can also mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Ready to dive into cheesy, bacony goodness? Here’s how to make it:
- Prep Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook, as they will bake further in the oven.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet (one that’s deep enough to eventually hold your sauce), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s deliciously crispy. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the skillet – this is flavor gold!
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This is your roux, which will thicken your sauce.
- Whisk in Milk: Slowly pour in the 2 cups of whole milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese to the thickened milk mixture. Stir constantly until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust as needed – remember, the bacon will add saltiness.
- Combine and Transfer: Add the cooked macaroni noodles and most of the cooked bacon (reserve a little for garnish if desired) to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir until the macaroni is completely coated in the glorious cheese sauce. Pour the entire mac ‘n’ cheese mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with the 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac ‘n’ cheese in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly and hot.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the mac ‘n’ cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve. Dig in and enjoy your delicious Bacon Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese!
Tips for Success
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Whenever possible, grate your own cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your macaroni to al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you want it perfectly tender, not mushy.
- Low Heat for Cheese: When adding the cheese, keep the heat low. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily.
- Bacon Grease is Flavor: Don’t drain all the bacon grease from the skillet before making the roux – that’s where a lot of the smoky flavor comes from!
- Taste and Season: Always taste your cheese sauce before combining with the pasta and baking. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Bacon Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your plate:
- Classic Companions: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing would provide a nice fresh contrast. Roasted broccoli or green beans also pair wonderfully.
- BBQ Pairing: The smoky bacon flavors make this a perfect side for BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even a juicy burger.
- Game Day Grub: It’s an absolute winner for game day! Serve alongside other crowd-pleasing appetizers like This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
- Beverage Pairings: A cold beer, iced tea, or even a crisp hard cider would be great accompaniments.
Storage and Leftover Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, the best method is to use the oven. Place individual portions or the entire dish in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk or broth over the top (this helps re-moisten the sauce), cover loosely with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps retain that desired creamy texture and crispy topping.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy, and comforting dishes, you’ll definitely want to try these other ChefManiac favorites:
- For another fantastic cheesy creation, don’t miss How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- If you’re feeding a crowd and love a good one-pan meal, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- And for an incredibly easy way to feed a group, these These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a total game-changer.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of classic comfort food elevated with simple, yet impactful, additions. The combination of the rich, creamy sauce, the tender pasta, and the irresistible smoky bacon all topped with a golden crunch makes for a truly unforgettable dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply when you need a little extra warmth and deliciousness in your life.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine! Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how your Bacon Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese turned out. And for more fantastic recipes, keep an eye on ChefManiac.com!
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