Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon | Comfort Food Classic

Few dishes say comfort food quite like baked macaroni and cheese—and when you add crispy bacon, it takes this classic to the next level. Rich, creamy cheese sauce coats tender pasta, all baked under a golden breadcrumb topping with smoky bacon in every bite. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings when you want a dish that’s indulgent, hearty, and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & cheesy – a rich sauce made with real cheese.
Crispy bacon twist – smoky, salty crunch in every bite.
Golden baked topping – buttery breadcrumbs for texture.
Family-friendly – a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth.
Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.

3. Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Stir cooked pasta and half the crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce.
Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

4. Add Topping & Bake

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
Top with remaining bacon.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

5. Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or fontina for different flavors.
Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make ahead: Assemble casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Individual portions: Bake in ramekins for mini mac & cheese cups.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food—gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a crunchy topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you serve it as a side dish at Thanksgiving, a main course for family dinner, or a potluck favorite, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Next time you’re craving cozy, cheesy goodness, skip the box and make this homemade version—it’s worth every bite.