Bacon Parmesan Mac & Cheese
This Bacon Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish with a gourmet twist. Smoky, crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the rich and nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, creating a macaroni and cheese recipe that’s elevated yet easy to make. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Picture this: creamy, velvety cheese sauce coating every bite of tender macaroni, with pops of crispy, smoky bacon and a topping of golden, bubbling Parmesan. It’s a rich, indulgent dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is a step up from traditional mac and cheese. It’s indulgent yet simple to prepare, combining classic comfort with bold, savory flavors from bacon and Parmesan. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Tools to Use:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking bacon
- Medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk
- 9×13 baking dish (if baking)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients:
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 cup crispy bacon, chopped (about 6-8 slices)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheese (if using) until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and crispy bacon (reserve some bacon for garnish if desired). Toss until everything is well coated.
- Bake (Optional): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese into a 9×13 baking dish. If using the topping, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the pasta. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with additional bacon or Parmesan if desired.
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Bacon Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet for cooking bacon
- Medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk
- 9×13 baking dish (if baking)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Mac & Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup crispy bacon chopped (about 6-8 slices)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- For the Topping Optional:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheese (if using) until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and crispy bacon (reserve some bacon for garnish if desired). Toss until everything is well coated.
- Bake (Optional): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese into a 9×13 baking dish. If using the topping, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the pasta. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with additional bacon or Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Cooking:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- If you prefer a stovetop-only version, skip the baking step and serve directly from the saucepan.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick of heat.
This Bacon Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the best of creamy comfort food with rich, smoky bacon and gourmet Parmesan. It’s an easy way to elevate a classic dish into something unforgettable. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or simply indulging yourself!
If you’re a fan of mac and cheese, this Bacon Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a must-try. Loaded with crispy bacon and Parmesan’s bold, nutty flavor, this dish is the definition of indulgent comfort food. Make it today and savor the ultimate creamy, cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for more!
