What’s the secret to a dish that makes everyone at the table pause, savor, and then reach for seconds?
It’s all in the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness, smoky bacon, and a crispy topping that adds just the right crunch. This Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon isn’t just food—it’s an experience that brings people together, making it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Show-Stopping Side Dish for Thanksgiving
Let’s face it—Thanksgiving spreads are incomplete without something indulgent to balance the turkey and veggies. This mac and cheese isn’t just a side dish; it’s the dish people will talk about long after dessert is served.
Imagine the oohs and ahhs as you place this bubbling, golden casserole on the table. That breadcrumb topping, packed with Parmesan and bacon crumbles, sparkles like a crown, promising the bold, rich flavors underneath.
This Thanksgiving, give your family and friends a reason to be extra thankful.
Add this Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon to your menu and create a new holiday tradition filled with flavor, laughter, and love.
Table of Contents
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
Here’s why this Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon deserves a spot on your dinner table:
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The rich cheese sauce made with extra-sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack is pure comfort in every bite.
- Smoky Bacon Perfection: Crumbled bacon adds a savory, smoky punch that takes classic mac and cheese to the next level.
- Golden Breadcrumb Topping: A buttery mix of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and bacon creates a crispy layer that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Family and Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit, whether it’s a weeknight family meal or the star of your holiday table.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust to suit your taste—it’s endlessly versatile!
This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a dish that brings everyone together for moments that matter.
Ingredients Needed
- Elbow macaroni
- Kosher salt
- Fresh breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Thick-cut bacon
- All-purpose flour
- Black pepper
- Dry mustard
- Whole milk
- Buttermilk
- Unsalted butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack, provolone, or mozzarella cheese
- Eggs
How to Make Our Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Here’s a quick overview of the steps:
Cook Pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Save some pasta water for later.
Prepare the Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and bacon for a flavorful crunch.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Create a roux with butter and flour, whisk in warm milk and buttermilk, then melt the cheeses for a creamy base.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and remaining bacon, ensuring every piece is coated.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumb topping, and bake until golden and bubbling.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to enjoy and make the most of your Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon, even after the meal is over:
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Like a Pro: Let the mac and cheese cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Portion for Easy Reheating: Divide leftovers into individual portions for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Freezing Friendly: Want to save some for later? Assemble the mac and cheese without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed (you might need to add a few extra minutes).
Serving Tips
- Reheat the Right Way: For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep it moist. Individual portions can be microwaved, but add a splash of milk to keep things creamy.
- Pair It Perfectly: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a side of steamed broccoli. The freshness complements the cheesy goodness beautifully!
- Dress It Up: Want to impress? Drizzle a little hot sauce or sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving. It adds a fresh pop of flavor and looks fancy, too.
With these tips, your mac and cheese will taste just as amazing the second (or third!) time around. Perfect for leftovers that actually feel exciting!
Tips & FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture. For the creamiest results, shred your own cheese.
What’s the best bacon for this recipe?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal as it retains its texture during cooking and baking, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in a covered dish at 325°F until heated through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Prevent clumping: Warm your milk and buttermilk before adding them to the roux.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
- Vegetable add-ins: Stir in steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower for added nutrition.
Why This Dish Fits Your WW Plan
This Mac and Cheese with Bacon can be made lighter with a few simple tweaks while still being indulgent. Substitute whole-wheat pasta for added fiber or use reduced-fat cheeses to cut calories.
The recipe balances protein from cheese and bacon with hearty carbs, making it a satisfying option for a WW-friendly splurge.
More Healthy Dinner Ideas
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: A low-carb twist with all the creamy goodness.
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A WW-friendly comfort food option.
- Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers: A lighter take on cheesy dishes.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the Mac and Cheese with Bacon—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨
Description
Indulge in this creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon—a decadent blend of cheeses, smoky bacon, and a crispy breadcrumb topping that’s always a hit.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Boil pasta in salted water until tender but firm (about 6 minutes). Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water before draining, and return pasta to the pot. Cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Topping
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Butter a 13x9-inch baking dish generously.
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In a bowl, toss breadcrumbs with Parmesan and half of the crumbled bacon. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
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Warm milk and buttermilk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
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Melt butter in another large saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes until golden and aromatic.
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Gradually whisk in the warm milk mixture, bring to a boil, and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes.
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Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheeses, and mix until smooth. Add beaten eggs to the sauce.
Combine and Bake
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Toss pasta with the cheese sauce and remaining bacon in the stockpot. Add reserved cooking water if needed for a smoother consistency.
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Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and puffed. Serve warm.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 49g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 20g40%
- Points per serving 14
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
As a mom and a chef, I know the struggle of finding a dish that pleases everyone. The first time I served this Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon, it was an instant hit. My husband went back for seconds (then thirds!), while my kids couldn’t stop exclaiming how “perfectly cheesy” it was between bites. Even our picky eater declared it “the best dinner ever!” Watching my family bond over a meal I made felt so rewarding—it reminded me why I love cooking. This recipe is now a regular at our table, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
