Macaroni Cheese with Bacon
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, decadent Macaroni Cheese with Bacon recipe. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is smothered in a luscious three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, then elevated with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. A hint of paprika adds a subtle smoky kick, making this dish irresistibly flavorful. This hearty crowd-pleaser comes together in just 45 minutes, combining rich textures and bold flavors for a family-friendly meal or a standout side dish. Serve it piping hot with a garnish of crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams elbow macaroni
- 200 grams bacon
- 60 grams unsalted butter
- 50 grams all-purpose flour
- 750 milliliters whole milk
- 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 250 grams sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente based on package instructions, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the bacon. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces once cooled.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux. Cook the roux for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, pour in the heavy cream and continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly (about 4-5 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using), then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small portion for garnish if desired.
Serve the macaroni cheese hot, garnished with the reserved bacon and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or paprika for a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
879 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.9 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.5 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 144 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 1430 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 39.9 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 674 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 427 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
