Short Description
Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and a touch of smoky paprika. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture – a velvety cheese sauce coats every bite.
- Smoky, crispy bacon – adds a deep, savory flavor.
- Easy to make in one pot – minimal cleanup required.
- Quick and satisfying – ready in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable – adjust cheeses, add toppings, or bake for a crispy crust.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Mac & Cheese:
- Cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- Bacon, chopped
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave some bacon drippings in the skillet.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, then add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Assemble the Mac & Cheese:
- Stir in the cooked macaroni, mixing well to coat with the sauce.
- Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and reserved bacon.
Optional: Baked Crispy Topping
- Transfer mac & cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until golden brown.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and add 1 tsp liquid smoke for a smoky taste.
- Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Bacon Upgrade: Use thick-cut, maple, or peppered bacon for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, covered with foil.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try Gruyère, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for different flavors.
How do I keep my mac & cheese from drying out?
Use whole milk, don’t overbake, and reheat with a splash of milk.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mac & cheese, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
What’s the best bacon for this recipe?
Use smoked, thick-cut, or applewood bacon for the best flavor.
Can I make this without flour?
Yes, substitute with cornstarch (1 tsp mixed with 2 tbsp milk).
Is this mac & cheese spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before baking.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
How do I make it a full meal?
Serve with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or a side salad.
Conclusion
Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese is an irresistible, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight meal or a side dish for gatherings, this recipe delivers bold, smoky flavors with a rich, cheesy sauce. Try it today and savor every bite!
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Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Made with crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and smoky paprika, this dish delivers a rich, indulgent flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this mac & cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy baked version)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Leave bacon drippings in the pan.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same pan, add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Dish:
- Stir in cooked pasta, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and reserved bacon.
- Optional: For a crispy finish, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Swap whole milk for heavy cream for extra creaminess.
- Use liquid smoke for a vegetarian version instead of bacon.
- Add gruyère or gouda cheese for a richer flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2à minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American