Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
A gooey, indulgent baked macaroni and cheese topped with crispy bacon and a golden breadcrumb crust for a comforting twist. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, bacon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 8 oz bacon
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 16 oz elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook 8 oz chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and set aside.
- Step 3: In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt until melted and smooth. Add cooked macaroni and mix until well coated.
- Step 5: Transfer to a baking dish. Top with crispy bacon and a mixture of 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (35 min prep + 25 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 Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon?
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 Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon?
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 Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon 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 Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
