Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in a warm hug, my Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe is just what you need! There’s something incredibly comforting about creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy bacon all coming together in one delightful bowl. This recipe has become a favorite in my house, perfect for family gatherings or those cozy nights when you just want to indulge a bit.

What makes this dish so special is not just the flavor, but also how easy it is to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving some comfort food on a busy weeknight, this recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and delicious flavors of mac and cheese.
• Make-ahead convenience: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Rich and satisfying: The combination of cheeses with crispy bacon provides an indulgent flavor that warms the soul.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! These items are easy to find at your local grocery store, and they come together to create that heavenly mac and cheese experience we all crave.

For the Caramelized Onions (Optional)

• 2 large yellow onions
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mac and Cheese

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon (hickory smoked is great)
• 1 lb. medium pasta shells
• 1/4 cup butter (not needed if you have enough bacon drippings)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Variations

This Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients that suit your palate.

• Swap the protein: If you prefer turkey or chicken bacon, they work wonderfully too!
• Add veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice it up: Incorporate jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
• Cheese lovers delight: Mix in your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for an exciting twist!

How to Make Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Onions

Start by slicing the onions into even ¼-inch slices. This ensures they cook evenly when caramelizing.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions and toss them to coat. Allow them to reduce and caramelize for about 40-50 minutes while stirring occasionally. If they cook too quickly, lower the heat. Caramelized onions add a sweet depth of flavor to our mac and cheese.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

While your onions are caramelizing, cut the bacon into thirds. Place them in a large high-walled skillet over low heat. Cooking slowly helps render out fat while achieving that perfect crispiness on both sides. It’s also a good time to measure out your remaining ingredients!

Step 4: Set Aside Bacon

Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t forget to reserve about 4 tablespoons of those delicious bacon drippings!

Step 5: Boil Pasta

Now’s a good time to start boiling salted water for your pasta shells. Follow package instructions until they’re al dente—be careful not to overcook them!

Step 6: Make the Sauce Base

Heat those reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Whisk in flour continuously for about two minutes; this creates our roux! It’s key for thickening our sauce later.

Step 7: Add Cream and Milk

Gradually add heavy cream in splashes while stirring continuously. Don’t rush this step; adding it too quickly may cause the roux to break! Follow with milk in the same manner until everything is smooth.

Step 8: Season Your Sauce

Add mustard powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce into your creamy mixture. Bring it to a gentle boil before reducing it down to simmering heat.

Step 9: Cook Pasta

Drain your al dente pasta once it’s done cooking—make sure not to let it get mushy!

Step 10: Combine It All Together

Lower the heat of your sauce base slightly first before gradually incorporating shredded cheeses—stir until melted! Finally, fold in those caramelized onions followed by drained pasta with a silicone spatula until everything is well-combined.

Step 11: Add Bacon

Roughly chop up your crispy bacon and sprinkle it generously over your mac and cheese masterpiece. Feel free to stir some of it into the mix if you’d like more flavor throughout!

Step 12: Serve!

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this delightful Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Making the perfect Bacon Mac & Cheese is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.

• Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni, as they hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

• Cook the Bacon Slowly: Cooking bacon over low heat allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in crispy pieces without burning. This adds a wonderful texture and flavor to your mac and cheese.

• Gradually Add Dairy: When incorporating heavy cream and milk into your roux, add them slowly while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky-smooth cheese sauce.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente according to package instructions. It will continue cooking when combined with the sauce, ensuring it retains its texture without becoming mushy.

• Mix Cheeses for Depth of Flavor: Combining different types of cheese like Gruyere and cheddar adds complexity and richness to the dish, creating a more satisfying taste experience.

How to Serve Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Presenting your Bacon Mac & Cheese can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also provides a refreshing herbal contrast to the rich flavors.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes on top gives an exciting kick that elevates each bite.
• Bread Crumbs: Toasted bread crumbs sprinkled over the top before serving can add an appealing crunch and texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side dish adds a lovely crunch and balances out the richness of the mac and cheese. Simply steam until bright green for best results.
• Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment that pairs perfectly with cheesy dishes. The buttery garlic flavor complements the mac and cheese beautifully.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provides a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the mac and cheese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted seasonal vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add nutrition and vibrancy to your meal while complementing the main dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Bacon Mac & Cheese will not only taste amazing but also look absolutely delightful on any dinner table! Enjoy this comfort food classic that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bacon Mac & Cheese is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time for busy weeknights or gatherings. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat this comforting dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the dish is completely cooled before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, portion into individual servings.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe.

Can I make this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with crispy cooked turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option that still offers great flavor.

What cheeses work best in this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe?

While gruyere and cheddar are fantastic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

How can I make this Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe healthier?

To lighten it up, consider using whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, or adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Bacon Mac & Cheese as I am! It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or share it with loved ones during gatherings, it’s sure to create wonderful memories. Happy cooking, and remember: food tastes best when shared with those we love!

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