Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese with Baked Breadcrumbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An American twist on classic mac and cheese with crispy bacon and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs Macaroni, Bacon, Cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz macaroni and 1 tbsp salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8 minutes, or until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Tip: Use the reserved pasta water later to adjust sauce consistency.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz bacon in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then stir and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in the pan. Tip: Crispy bacon ensures a better texture than soggy.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese until smooth and glossy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cooked macaroni, crispy bacon, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Mix until cheese forms a creamy sauce coating the pasta. Tip: Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping.
  4. Step 4: Transfer macaroni mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. Tip: Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even browning.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese with Baked Breadcrumbs take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese with Baked Breadcrumbs?

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 macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese with Baked Breadcrumbs?

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 Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese with Baked Breadcrumbs 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 Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese with Baked Breadcrumbs?

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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