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Ultimate Crispy Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe (Ready in 45 Minutes!)

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

Ultra-creamy, extra-crispy bacon mac and cheese that bakes up golden in under 45 minutes. Make the cheese sauce while the pasta cooks for a fast, family-friendly comfort classic.

  • Total Time45 minutes
  • Yield6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta & Bacon

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 slices bacon (cooked until crispy, crumbled)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan)
  • salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Topping (optional)

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Position rack in the center for even baking.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain (do not rinse).
  3. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon 4–6 minutes until crisp. Crumble; reserve ~1 tbsp bacon fat.
  4. Make a roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute until lightly golden and nutty.
  5. Build the sauce: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thick and creamy (3–5 minutes). Thin with reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Add cheese & season: Remove from heat; stir in shredded cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  7. Combine: Mix macaroni, cheese sauce, and most of the bacon (reserve some for topping).
  8. Assemble: Transfer to a buttered 9×13-inch dish (or ramekins). Top with breadcrumbs and reserved bacon.
  9. Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  10. Rest & serve: Let stand 5 minutes so the sauce sets, then serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in 1 tbsp reserved bacon fat. Removing the sauce from heat before adding cheese prevents a grainy texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 485
  • Sodium: 795
  • Fat: 24.5
  • Saturated Fat: 12.8
  • Carbohydrates: 47.5
  • Fiber: 2.1
  • Protein: 19.5

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/ultimate-crispy-bacon-mac-and-cheese-recipe-ready-in-45-minutes/