Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Cheddar
An American classic featuring creamy cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and buttery elbow macaroni for a comforting family meal. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 35 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 500 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 400g Elbow macaroni
- 200g Cheddar cheese
- 150g Bacon
- 50g Butter
- 200ml Milk
- to taste Salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 400g elbow macaroni, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking to remove excess water. Tip: Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water to help the sauce bind later.
- Step 2: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add 150g bacon in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the bacon turns golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 50g butter to the skillet, and let it melt for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in 200g grated Cheddar cheese, 200ml milk, and a generous pinch of salt, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy, about 3-4 minutes. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Step 4: Add the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon to the saucepan, stirring gently to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce thickens enough to cling to the noodles. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Step 5: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a serving dish, top with additional grated Cheddar if desired, and serve immediately while hot. Tip: For a richer flavor, add a pat of butter to the sauce just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Cheddar take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Cheddar?
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 Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Cheddar?
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 Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Cheddar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Cheddar?
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
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
