Bacon and Gruyère Macaroni and Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A decadent twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring crispy bacon, nutty Gruyère, and a buttery roux-based sauce with a hint of Dijon mustard. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, bacon slices, Gruyère cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 16 oz elbow macaroni in salted boiling water 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook 8 oz bacon slices over medium heat 8-10 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tbsp fat in the pan.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 tbsp butter and 3 tbsp flour to the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until golden, stirring constantly. Whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 8 oz grated Gruyère and 4 oz grated cheddar until melted and sauce is thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add cooked macaroni and crispy bacon to the sauce, toss to combine. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining 2 tbsp butter, and bake 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bacon and Gruyère Macaroni and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bacon and Gruyère Macaroni and Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon and Gruyère Macaroni and Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bacon and Gruyère Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bacon and Gruyère Macaroni and Cheese?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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