Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles to the dinner table. With its velvety cheese sauce coating tender elbow macaroni and topped with crunchy, crispy bacon, this dish is a hearty classic that everyone will love. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is not just delicious but also simple to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

• Indulgent Flavor: Rich and cheesy with a smoky bacon twist.
• Comforting Texture: Creamy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients for a unique twist.
• Family Favorite: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 slices of bacon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese with Bacon

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter in the reserved bacon grease over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the mac and cheese, reserving a little for garnish.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley.

Tips for the Best Results

• For extra creaminess, use a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
• Make sure to cook the flour for a minute to eliminate any raw taste.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.

Easy Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Different Proteins: Swap bacon for crispy pancetta or diced cooked chicken.

What to Serve With It

• A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
• Steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping into the cheese sauce.
• A side of tomato soup for a comforting pairing.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Recipe Card