Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Topping
Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Topping is the ultimate comfort food recipe loaded with creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and crunchy smoky bacon. This easy baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday side dishes, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, penne)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- For the Topping:
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon Topping: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and bacon crumbles. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth and thickened.Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss cooked pasta with cheese sauce until well coated. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.Sprinkle bacon-panko mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until topping is golden brown and bubbly.