Oh my goodness, have you tried my Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese yet? This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our house, and let me tell you why! It’s the perfect cozy comfort food, with warm, cheesy goodness, and that smoky flavor from the bacon takes it to a whole new level. My husband can’t get enough of it, and whenever I make this dish, our little kitty always finds a cozy spot nearby, hoping for a sneaky taste!
The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it great for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. Just imagine the creamy, cheesy sauce swirling around perfectly cooked pasta, with crispy bacon bits sprinkled throughout. It’s rich, satisfying, and absolutely delicious! Plus, if you have any leftovers, they make for the best lunch the next day. If you love this, you might also want to check out my creamy Chicken Alfredo for another comforting dish. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
- Rich and creamy cheese sauce that’s absolutely indulgent
- Smoky flavor from crispy bacon and smoked paprika
- Perfect blend of sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella
- Simple ingredients that come together in one pot
- Quick to prepare and ready in about 30 minutes
- Versatile recipe; customize cheese types to your liking
- Elevate it with a crispy breadcrumb topping baked to perfection
This mac & cheese packs a flavor punch and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners or as a side dish for gatherings!
How to Make Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
This smoky bacon mac & cheese is the ultimate comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that delightful flavor of crispy bacon—perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes!
What You’ll Need:
- Cavatappi or elbow macaroni – 8 oz. I love cavatappi for its cute spiral shape; it holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully!
- Bacon – 6 slices, chopped. The crispy bits will bring an incredible flavor to your dish.
- Butter – 2 tbsp. I prefer unsalted butter to control the seasoning better.
- All-purpose flour – 1 tbsp. This will help thicken our cheese sauce.
- Whole milk – 2 cups. I recommend using whole milk for a creamier texture!
- Sharp cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded. Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful depth of flavor!
- Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded. It adds a lovely stretchiness to the mix.
- Smoked paprika – 1/2 tsp. This is essential for that smoky flavor.
- Garlic powder – 1/4 tsp. A hint of garlic really lifts the flavors!
- Salt and pepper – to taste. Always taste as you go!
- Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish. It adds a nice pop of color.
The Directions:
- Start by cooking the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Once it’s done, drain and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook it until it’s crispy, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave those yummy drippings in the skillet!
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the butter. Let it melt, then stir in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring continuously to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to stir continuously to avoid any lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up nicely.
- Reduce the heat to low and toss in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is melted and creamy.
- Now, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Season it up with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
- Fold in the crispy bacon, but reserve a bit if you want to sprinkle it on top when serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and the reserved bacon on top. Dive in and enjoy this delicious dish!
Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, pop the mac & cheese into a baking dish, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top, and bake until golden for a beautiful crispy finish!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will work just fine in this recipe. It provides more fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may differ slightly from traditional pasta, so taste for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions indicate.
How Can I Make This Mac & Cheese Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a teaspoon of liquid smoke to add a smoky flavor. You can also sauté some mushrooms or smoked paprika for an earthy taste that mimics the smoky bacon without meat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or warm it on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess.
Can I Freeze Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze this mac & cheese! Place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for about 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
More Delicious Bacon Recipes!
If you love bacon, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Oven-Baked Pig Shots with Bacon & Cheese
- Cheesy Ham & Bacon Potatoes
- Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas
- Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
Dive into this creamy and smoky bacon mac & cheese, a decadent twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until it forms a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Fold in the crispy bacon, reserving a bit for garnish if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional bacon on top.
Notes
- Adjust cheese types to preference; you can add gouda or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- For a crispy topping, consider placing the mac & cheese in a baking dish, topping with breadcrumbs, and baking until golden brown.
Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, bacon mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta
