Cider-Bacon Macaroni Bake
A creamy, tangy macaroni casserole with crispy bacon and sweet apple cider, baked until golden and bubbly. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, smoked bacon, apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 oz smoked bacon
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook 3 oz diced smoked bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat, add 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt, whisking constantly for 1 minute until golden. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk until smooth, then stir in 1/2 cup apple cider and cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until melted. Add the drained macaroni and 1/2 cup cooked bacon, tossing gently to coat.
- Step 5: Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup bacon on top, and bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly around the edges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cider-Bacon Macaroni Bake 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 Cider-Bacon Macaroni Bake?
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 Cider-Bacon Macaroni Bake?
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 Cider-Bacon Macaroni Bake 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 Cider-Bacon Macaroni Bake?
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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
