This Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy pasta baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping and smoky bacon in every bite. It’s a family favorite that works for weeknight dinners, holidays, or potlucks, and it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
With a homemade cheese sauce and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers that classic creamy texture with a delicious upgrade from crispy bacon and a baked finish.
- Ultra creamy cheese sauce
- Crispy, golden topping
- Savory bacon flavor
- Perfect for family dinners or gatherings
- Make-ahead friendly
It’s the kind of cozy meal everyone comes back for seconds.
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overcook pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor and melt.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Easy Variations & Add-Ins:
Make It Healthier
- Use whole wheat pasta
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach
Switch Up the Cheese
- gouda
- gruyère
- monterey jack
Add Protein
- shredded chicken
- ham
- ground turkey
Make-Ahead & Storage:
Make Ahead:
Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months.
More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas:
- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Crockpot Italian Chicken
- Turkey Meatloaf
- Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Baked Mac and Cheese
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, pasta baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions sliced (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until fully coated. Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- In a small bowl, toss together the breadcrumbs, butter, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until and bubbly and golden brown on top. Top with sliced green onions, if desired. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
