Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon Crumble

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon Crumble is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with the irresistible crunch and smoky flavor of bacon. This dish takes classic mac and cheese to the next level by adding crispy bacon bits on top, creating a perfect balance of creaminess and texture. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—exactly what you crave when you want a hearty homemade meal.

This recipe is a staple of American cuisine, cherished for its rich, cheesy sauce and baked golden crust. The addition of bacon brings a salty, smoky contrast to the velvety pasta, making every bite more delicious than the last. Whether served as a main dish or a comforting side, this recipe guarantees to please everyone at the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends nostalgia with a touch of luxury. Mac and cheese alone is cozy and familiar, but when you add crispy bacon crumble, it transforms into something extraordinary. The smoky aroma of the bacon complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm, happy, and completely satisfied.

Another reason I love it is its versatility. You can serve it for family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings—it’s always a hit. The recipe is simple, made with everyday ingredients, yet the result tastes gourmet. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines comfort, flavor, and indulgence all in one pan. The homemade cheese sauce is rich and silky, coating every macaroni perfectly. The crispy bacon topping adds the perfect texture contrast, elevating this classic dish to something unforgettable.

It’s also customizable—you can use different cheeses, add spices, or mix in vegetables or proteins. The balance of creamy and crunchy, salty and cheesy, makes it irresistible. Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never want the boxed version again.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 520 kcal
Course: Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bacon Crumble Topping:

• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat for flavor.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   In a large saucepan, melt butter (and optional bacon fat) over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
4. Add the Cheese:
   Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheeses until melted. Season with mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine with Pasta:
   Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
6. Prepare the Bacon Crumble:
   In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake the Dish:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish, sprinkle the bacon crumble on top, and bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil the Pasta:
   Cook macaroni just until tender; drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking since it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   Fry bacon in a pan until crispy. Let it cool, then crumble it into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Roux:
   Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
   Stir in the cheeses until melted. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper for extra depth.
6. Mix in Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
7. Make the Topping:
   Combine bacon, breadcrumbs, butter, and Parmesan.
8. Bake:
   Transfer pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, top with the bacon crumble, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve hot straight from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra crumbled bacon. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. It’s also great as a side to roasted chicken or steak for a hearty dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
• Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm before baking.
• For a stronger flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
• To make it creamier, add an extra splash of cream before baking.
• Make the bacon extra crispy so it retains texture after baking.

Variations

• Three-Cheese Mac: Use a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for complex flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese sauce.
• Vegetable Mac: Mix in sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli before baking.
• Chicken Mac: Add shredded cooked chicken for extra protein.
• Truffle Mac: Stir in a small amount of truffle oil for a luxurious twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for cooking bacon
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9x13 inches recommended)
• Mixing bowls

Conclusion

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon Crumble is a comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish that’s hard to resist. The creamy, cheesy pasta paired with crispy, smoky bacon creates the perfect balance of indulgence and texture. It’s an excellent recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this mac and cheese will always stand out as a crowd favorite. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe collection—a warm, cheesy hug in every bite.