Loaded Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon

If you’re craving comfort food that hits every note of cheesy, crispy, and savory, look no further than this Loaded Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon. This dish takes the classic mac and cheese up a notch by baking it to golden perfection and topping it with crispy turkey bacon and a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Each bite delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a slight kick from cayenne pepper and a burst of flavor from garlic and onion powders. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a decadent side, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Velvety cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni and crispy bacon makes this dish an irresistible comfort meal.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses blend beautifully, enhanced by subtle spices that bring warmth without overpowering.
• Crunchy Topping: The breadcrumb and cheese topping bakes to a golden crust, adding fantastic texture contrast to the creamy interior.
• Easy to Customize: You can swap in your favorite cheeses or add veggies like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: This baked mac and cheese pleases kids and adults alike, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Your Shopping Guide

• Elbow Macaroni (8 ounces): Classic pasta shape that holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups shredded): Provides bold, tangy flavor and richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts smoothly and adds a mild creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup grated): Gives a nutty, savory depth to the dish and the topping.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Essential for making the roux and adding richness.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the cheese sauce perfectly.
• Milk (2 cups): Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle aromatic flavor.
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory profile of the sauce.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and depth.
• Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle kick without overpowering the cheese.
• Cooked and Crumbled Turkey Bacon (1/2 cup): Turkey bacon offers a smoky, crispy element while keeping it lean.
• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For the golden, crunchy topping.
• Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon chopped): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal touch.

Cook’s Kit

• Large pot: For boiling the macaroni.
• Medium saucepan: To make the cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend the roux and milk smoothly.
• Oven-safe baking dish (about 8×8 inches): To bake the mac and cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient portions.
• Mixing spoon: To combine pasta and cheese sauce.
• Cheese grater: For shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.

Loaded Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux—this will thicken the sauce and eliminate the raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, about 4-5 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy warmth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to fully coat every noodle. Then fold in 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled turkey bacon, reserving a small amount for topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into an oven-safe baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese, then top with the reserved turkey bacon crumbles.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the dish uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. For an extra bubbly and browned top, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

This Creamy Bacon Mac And Cheese Pasta is a perfect inspiration for layering flavors and textures within your baked mac and cheese, blending creamy sauce and crispy bacon.

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it friendly for lactose intolerance.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Vegetarian: Omit the turkey bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a savory boost.
• Low-Sodium: Choose low-sodium cheeses and reduce added salt in the recipe, relying on herbs and spices for flavor.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

• The roux (butter and flour mixture) is the secret to a perfectly thick and creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
• Using a mix of cheeses ensures the sauce is both flavorful and melts smoothly without becoming greasy.
• Turkey bacon offers a smoky flavor similar to traditional bacon but with less fat, making it a leaner choice that still crisps wonderfully.
• Letting the baked mac and cheese rest after removing it from the oven allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and more satisfying to eat.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Loaded Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon freezes beautifully! Prepare the dish up to the assembly step, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Common Questions

Can I use regular pork bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute pork bacon if preferred. Just cook it until crispy, then crumble and use as the topping and mix-in. The smoky flavor is similar but with a richer fat content.

What type of cheese works best in mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor, while mozzarella adds gooey meltiness, and Parmesan contributes nuttiness. Combining these three creates a balanced, creamy sauce.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the cheese sauce. Just be cautious to not overpower the cheesy flavor.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?

Baking adds a wonderful crispy topping and melds flavors beautifully, but you can enjoy the cheese sauce with pasta directly off the stove if you’re short on time.

Desserts to Finish

• Good Ole Mac And Cheese offers a nostalgic twist if you want to explore more comforting classics.
• Creamy Bacon Mac And Cheese Pasta is another delicious variation perfect for bacon lovers.
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies – The perfect sweet treat to balance a savory meal.
• Tangy Lemon Bars – Bright and refreshing dessert to cleanse the palate.

Wrap-Up

This Loaded Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with crunchy, smoky topping. It’s simple to prepare yet tastes like a decadent dish you’d order at a restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every satisfying bite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite cheeses, add-ins, or spice levels. It’s a timeless classic made even better with a few special touches.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and crispy bacon that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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