Introduction
Who doesn’t love a rich and creamy mac and cheese, especially when it’s paired with crispy bacon? This Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon takes your classic mac and cheese to the next level. The combination of sharp cheddar, goat cheese, and Parmigiano Reggiano creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta. The crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch, while the herbed breadcrumbs on top give the dish a delightful crispy finish. If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’ll wow your taste buds, this is the recipe for you!
Detailed Ingredients 🛒🧀🥓
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced 🧄
- 1½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 🌿
- 3 slices white bread, crusts removed and torn into pieces 🍞
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted 🧈
- 6 ounces center cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces 🥓
- 1½ tablespoons butter 🧈
- 8 ounces pasta (elbows or shells), cooked until very al dente 🍝
- 2¾ cups whole milk, heated until warm 🥛
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- ¾ tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 🌿
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder 🌰
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 🌶️
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste) 🧂
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌱
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg 🌰
- 2 cups (6 ounces) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided 🧀
- 4 ounces herb and garlic flavored Chevre cheese (goat cheese), crumbled 🧀
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese 🧀
Direction
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and butter a 9-inch casserole dish.
- In a food processor, pulse the garlic and parsley until minced. Add the bread and pulse until the mixture becomes breadcrumbs. Pour in the melted butter and pulse until combined. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté the bacon until it’s almost crisp, then transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Remove excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add butter to the skillet and heat to medium.
- Once the butter is sizzling, add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles up.
- Remove from heat and stir in thyme, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar, Chevre, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses.
- Stir the cooked pasta and bacon into the cheese sauce. Pour into the prepared casserole dish—it will be soupy.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and top with the herbed breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30 minutes, checking at 15 minutes to make sure the breadcrumbs aren’t browning too quickly (cover with foil if needed).
- Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
My Story
Macaroni and cheese has always been a comfort food staple in our household, but I wanted to create something a bit more exciting—something that combined the classic richness with a touch of savory, smoky flavor. That’s when I came up with the idea of adding bacon to my favorite mac and cheese recipe. The crispy bacon not only adds a burst of flavor but also gives the dish a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce. The herbed breadcrumbs give the topping that golden crispiness, making each bite feel indulgent. It became an instant hit with my family, and now it’s a go-to dish for gatherings and cozy nights in. I can’t wait for you to try it!
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer—penne, rotini, or fusilli would all work perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: Yes, you can skip the bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option or even smoked sausage for a different savory flavor.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish a little lighter?
A: To lighten it up, you can swap the whole milk for 2% milk or use a combination of Greek yogurt and milk instead of the cream cheese.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze this mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Suggestion
- Add some veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Top with extra crispy bacon or even pancetta for an extra savory punch.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to scoop up all the cheesy goodness!
- Make it extra creamy by adding a bit more sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant pop.
Conclusion
This Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon is truly the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights at home or family gatherings. The rich, creamy cheese sauce combined with crispy bacon and herbed breadcrumbs creates a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a mac and cheese purist or looking to elevate your favorite dish, this recipe has everything you love and more. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely indulgent. Trust me, once you make it, this will be your new go-to mac and cheese recipe!
— Sarah Cooper
