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Bacon Mac and Cheese

This Bacon Mac and Cheese is comfort food taken to the next level! Creamy pasta shells are coated in a silky three-cheese sauce, tossed with sweet caramelized onions, and topped with crispy hickory-smoked bacon. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and perfectly indulgent — the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table reach for seconds.

This isn’t your average mac and cheese. It tastes like something you’d order at a gourmet restaurant, but it’s easy to make right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra Creamy: Made with a blend of gruyere, cheddar, and parmesan for the richest, silkiest cheese sauce.
  • Flavor-Packed: Smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and a hint of spice make every forkful irresistible.
  • Family Favorite: Simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests.
  • Totally Customizable: Swap the cheeses, try different pasta shapes, or add veggies for a twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Caramelized Onions (optional but amazing)

  • 2 large yellow onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 6 slices thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon
  • 1 pound medium pasta shells
  • ¼ cup butter (omit if you have enough bacon drippings)
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

How to Make Bacon Mac and Cheese

1. Caramelize the Onions

  1. Slice the onions into ¼-inch thick slices.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add onions and toss to coat.
  4. Cook slowly for 40–50 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and tender.
  5. Remove from heat and set aside.

(You can skip this step if you’re short on time, but caramelized onions add incredible depth.)

2. Cook the Bacon

  1. Cut the bacon into thirds for easier cooking.
  2. Add to a large skillet over low heat and cook slowly until crisp.
  3. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. Reserve about 4 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.

(If you don’t have enough, add butter to make up the difference.)

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Begin boiling salted water for the pasta.
  2. In the skillet with bacon drippings, whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat to make a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Add milk a little at a time, whisking until smooth.
  5. Stir in mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

4. Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta just until al dente — it will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside.

5. Combine Everything

  1. Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and let it cool slightly.
  2. Gradually stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.
  3. Add the caramelized onions, then stir in the pasta until fully coated.
  4. Roughly chop the cooked bacon and stir half into the mac and cheese.
  5. Garnish with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

  • Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly because of added starches.
  • Don’t overheat the sauce: Add cheese on low heat to prevent it from curdling or turning grainy.
  • Use quality bacon: Thick-cut, smoky bacon adds the best texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with cheese blends: Gruyere adds a subtle nuttiness, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack or all sharp cheddar.
  • Add-ins: Try roasted broccoli, mushrooms, or diced jalapeños for fun variations.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: The texture changes slightly after freezing, but it’s still delicious for quick lunches.
  • Reheat: Warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess.

Tools You’ll Love

  • Cast iron skillet or sauté pan – Distributes heat evenly and can go from stove to oven.
  • Box grater – For freshly shredded cheese.
  • Pasta strainer – A sturdy one makes draining shells easy.

More Cheesy Recipes to Try

Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

This Bacon Mac and Cheese combines crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and tender pasta shells with a luxurious three-cheese sauce. It’s creamy, smoky, and completely irresistible — perfect for dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.