Bacon Mac and Cheese

This Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe is so rich and creamy that I almost guarantee you won’t have any leftovers. Cheesy noodles topped with perfectly cooked bacon might make this the best mac and cheese you ever make.

I’ve been making mac and cheese for a long time. So many variations and different add-ons you can make a classic dish even better!

This is a small twist on my classic Stovetop Mac and Cheese. This recipe topped with perfect crispy bacon is so good.  I know you will enjoy it!

How to make Bacon Mac and Cheese:

This recipe can be made in one pot to save on cleanup if you like. Cook your noodles to al dente and then set them aside in the colander.

Cook and prepare your bacon. Prepare your sauce and then add the noodles back to the pot. Top with your chopped bacon and enjoy!

Ingredient Notes:

• Elbow Macaroni
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese – shredded cheddar cheese
• Seasoning: Paprika, Salt, and Pepper
• Bacon – cooked and crumbled. You can use my recipe for the Perfect Oven Baked Bacon if you like.
• Optional topping – Diced Green Onions

Directions:

Step One – Cook macaroni according to box instructions. Drain and set aside.

• Cooking Tip: You want your noodles to be al dente as they will cook more once you add them back to the cheese sauce. You do not want soggy noodles.

Step Two – In a large saucepan melt butter on medium/low heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes.

Step Three – Slowly mix in milk and smooth. Add more or less milk to get the thickness of the sauce to how you like it. Simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken still whisking occasionally.

Step Four – Slowly add in cheese about a cup at a time whisking and allowing to melt before adding more. Season cheese sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step Five – Add cooked macaroni to the saucepan and mix until well combined and all noodles are coated in cheese.

Step Six – Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon into mac and cheese.

Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Optional: serve with diced green onions.

Tips for great Mac and Cheese:

• Cheese: For a stronger cheese flavor use a Cheddar Cheese block and shred it. Store bought shredded cheese is what I used just to make it a tad easier, but a block of cheddar cheese does taste great.
• Cooking: Do not overcook this recipe. If you over cook your noodles beforehand, they could become mushy. Make sure they are al dente.

What are the best cheeses for Mac and Cheese?

The best cheese for a Macaroni and Cheese honestly is a good Sharp Cheddar. That melted with milk and some salt and pepper makes creamy perfection. There are some other great cheeses for mac and cheese you can use as well!

1. Cheddar Cheese is definitely the king of cheeses for Mac and Cheese.
2. Cream Cheese is a great addition to add some extra creaminess to your mac and cheese.
3. Velveeta. While some people do not think Velveeta is a cheese worth using, it provides an almost perfect melt and coating of your noodles. Not to put him on the spot, but this is my husband’s favorite kind of mac and cheese.

Try some of my other Mac and Cheese recipes:

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – Nothing better than comfort food in your slow cooker! I love this recipe for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. It’s my favorite way to make mac and cheese and comes out perfect every time!

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cheddar Smoked Sausage – Easy and oh so cheesy! This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cheddar Smoked Sausage is a recipe that the entire family is sure to love.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – I love spicy food and this bold Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese hit the spot! You will love this new way to do a classic recipe!

If you tried any of my recipes I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST. I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.

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