Ultimate Creamy Stovetop Bacon Macaroni and Cheese: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this super creamy stovetop mac and cheese, generously loaded with smoky bacon. It’s pure delight, ready in just minutes!

There’s something inherently nostalgic and comforting about macaroni and cheese. It’s that one dish that consistently brings a smile to everyone’s face, evoking cherished childhood memories with every cheesy, creamy bite. Now, imagine taking that classic comfort and elevating it to an extraordinary level by adding crispy, savory bacon. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers: a rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible Bacon Macaroni and Cheese that will become an instant family favorite.

The inspiration for this sensational dish came from a restaurant experience my son had, where he fell absolutely in love with their bacon mac and cheese. He immediately came home, eager to know if I could recreate that magic in our kitchen. After a bit of culinary detective work to uncover the secret cheese blend, I crafted this recipe, and the results were nothing short of ultimate cheesy goodness, perfected with that smoky bacon twist.

Why This Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe Works So Well

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly practical and versatile, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, from busy weeknights to comforting weekend meals. Here’s why it stands out:

• Lightning-Fast Preparation: You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. The cheese sauce is almost finished by the time the pasta cooks, making this a fantastic quick and easy stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe you can whip up any night of the week. Forget lengthy baking times – this is instant gratification.
• Customizable Cheese Blend: While I recommend a divine blend of Gruyere, White Cheddar, and Parmesan for depth and creaminess, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. You truly can use your favorite cheeses to customize it to your family’s preferences. Want it sharper? Add more white or sharp yellow cheddar. Craving smokiness? Introduce a smoked Gouda. For extra silky texture, a touch of cream cheese can work wonders.
• Pasta Perfection, Your Way: Don’t feel limited to elbow macaroni! Not only can you use different pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini (which are great for capturing that luscious cheese sauce), but you can also adapt it for dietary needs. Opt for a gluten-free pasta for those with sensitivities, or choose chickpea or lentil-based pasta for an added protein boost. Even a veggie pasta can be incorporated to sneak in extra nutrients.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: The star of the show! Bacon adds an incredible depth of flavor and texture that elevates classic mac and cheese from good to utterly phenomenal. Its salty, crispy bits contrast beautifully with the smooth, rich cheese sauce.

Essential Ingredients for Your Stovetop Bacon Mac and Cheese

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouth-watering dish. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavor profile.

• Butter: Forms the foundation of our roux, adding richness and helping to thicken the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent for our velvety cheese sauce, creating a smooth, lump-free béchamel.
• Whole Milk: Provides the creamy liquid base for the sauce. Whole milk offers the best richness, but you can adjust to 2% milk if you prefer a slightly lighter sauce, though it might be less thick.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing all the flavors in the cheese sauce.
• Dried Mustard: A secret weapon! It doesn’t make the sauce taste like mustard, but rather enhances the savory notes of the cheese, adding a subtle tang and depth.
• Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a pleasant warmth and aromatic kick.
• Gruyere Cheese: Known for its nutty, earthy, and complex flavor, Gruyere melts beautifully and adds sophistication to the sauce.
• White Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for macaroni and cheese, offering a sharp, tangy, and robust flavor that balances well with other cheeses.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that brings a fantastic umami punch and depth to the overall flavor. Ensure it’s good quality for the best results.
• Elbow Macaroni: The traditional pasta choice, perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
• Bacon: The star! Cooked until crispy and crumbled, it infuses the entire dish with irresistible smoky, salty goodness.

Step-by-Step: How To Make Creamy Bacon Macaroni and Cheese on the Stovetop

Creating this rich and creamy bacon mac and cheese is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions, but aim for 1-2 minutes shy of being fully al dente. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.
2. Prepare the Roux: In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 5-6 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells slightly nutty. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste.
3. Create the Béchamel: Slowly begin to whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, into the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and any lumps have disappeared. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and dried mustard. Continue to whisk the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and begins to bubble gently. The dried mustard, though subtle, is key to enhancing the cheese flavor without overpowering it.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded Gruyere, white cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce in small handfuls, stirring constantly until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more. Melting the cheese slowly over low heat prevents it from becoming grainy or clumpy.
6. Combine and Serve: Once all the cheese is incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy, add the cooked, slightly underdone macaroni and the crumbled, crispy bacon. Stir everything gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich cheese sauce and the bacon is evenly distributed.
7. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve your Bacon Macaroni and Cheese right away. The sauce is at its peak creaminess when hot!

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth. For the creamiest, silkiest sauce, always shred your own blocks of cheese.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As mentioned, cook the pasta al dente or even slightly underdone. It will absorb some of the hot sauce and reach perfect tenderness without turning mushy.
• Low and Slow for Cheese: When adding the cheese, ensure the heat is on low. High heat can cause the cheese proteins to seize up, resulting in a grainy sauce. Patience is key for a smooth finish.
• The Dried Mustard Secret: Don’t skip the dried mustard! It’s not there to add a mustard flavor, but rather to enhance the natural tang and savoriness of the cheese, making the sauce taste even more complex and delicious.
• Keep it Warm: Mac and cheese is best served immediately. If you need to keep it warm for a short period, do so over very low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash more milk if it starts to thicken too much.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Macaroni and Cheese is a fantastic base for creativity! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, frozen peas (added at the end), or sautéed spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Herbaceous Freshness: Garnish with fresh chives or parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Crispy Topping: For added texture, transfer the finished mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs (and maybe a little extra Parmesan), and broil until golden and crispy.
• Other Meats: While bacon is king, you could experiment with cooked ham, shredded pulled pork, or even ground sausage for different flavor profiles.

Dairy Nutrition: Fueling Families with Delicious Milk and Cheese

I’m delighted to once again partner with the American Dairy Association Mideast this month, especially as we turn our attention to back-to-school preparations. Earlier in June, I shared a recipe for Yogurt Marinated Chicken in celebration of National Dairy Month, highlighting the versatility of dairy.

As parents, we constantly seek nutritious options for our children, and milk remains the number one food source for both calcium and vitamin D in a child’s diet. My son, like many school-aged children, consistently drinks milk with lunch and dinner, a habit reinforced by the carton of milk he receives daily at school. It’s important to remember that even if he chooses chocolate milk, he’s still benefiting from the same 9 essential nutrients found in white milk. Surprisingly, flavored milks contribute to only about 4% of the total added sugar in a child’s diet – less than one teaspoon, a stark contrast to the over seven teaspoons often found in sodas and sports drinks. This makes flavored milk a smart, nutrient-dense choice for hydration and growth.

Experts recommend that adults and children alike aim for three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products each day. However, many of us typically consume only about two servings. This Bacon Macaroni and Cheese, packed with wholesome milk and a generous amount of cheese, can certainly help bridge that nutritional gap, contributing significant calcium, protein, and other vital nutrients to your daily intake. While this dish isn’t exactly a “health food” in the strictest sense, I did opt for whole milk instead of heavier cream to cut back on some fat. If you’re looking to make it even lighter, swapping whole milk for 2% milk is an option, though you might notice a slight difference in thickness and creaminess. For another easy and beloved homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, be sure to try my Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese.

Dairy products are more than just calcium powerhouses. They provide high-quality protein essential for muscle building and repair, potassium for blood pressure regulation, and a host of B vitamins for energy production. Including a variety of dairy in your diet, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, supports overall health and well-being for the entire family.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While this bacon mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be a delicious treat! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you have a couple of options:

• Microwave: For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce. Heat in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through and creamy.
• Stovetop: For larger quantities, transfer to a saucepan over low heat. Add a bit of milk or even a tiny pat of butter. Stir frequently until warmed through and the sauce regains its creamy consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.

More Cheesy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of cheesy, comforting meals, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other delightful dinner recipes:

• Avocado Grilled Cheese: A gourmet twist on a classic sandwich.
• Beef Enchilada Casserole: Layers of savory beef, tortillas, and gooey cheese.
• Chicken Stuffed Shells: Large pasta shells filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture.
• Taco Spaghetti: A fun fusion dish combining taco flavors with comforting pasta.
• Beer Cheese Soup: A rich and hearty soup, perfect for cold days.
• Ranch Cheddar Chicken: Flavorful chicken baked with creamy ranch and cheddar.
• Mexican Pizza: A fast-food classic recreated at home with layers of flavor.

4.80 from 15 votes

Creamy Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

By

Erin Sellin

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese – super creamy stove top mac and cheese with plenty of smokey bacon. Pure comfort food that is ready in minutes!

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

20 minutes
mins

Total:

30 minutes
mins

Servings:
6

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Equipment

• Pot and Pan Set

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  Tablespoons
  
  Butter
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/3
  cup
  
  all-purpose flour
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  3
  cups
  
  whole milk
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  
  salt
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  3/4
  teaspoon
  
  dried mustard
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  teaspoon
  
  black pepper
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1 1/2
  cups
  
  gruyere cheese
  , shredded

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1 1/2
  cups
  white cheddar cheese, shredded

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2/3
  cup
  good quality Parmesan cheese, grated

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  pound
  
  bacon
  , cooked and crumbled

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  pound
  elbow macaroni

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of water to boil, and cook macaroni according to the package directions, reducing cook time by 1-2 minutes for al dente.
• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 5-6 minutes until golden in color and nutty in aroma.
• Slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth and any lumps disappear, forming a creamy béchamel.
• Mix in salt, pepper and dried mustard. Continue to whisk until thick and bubbling gently.
• Reduce heat to low. Add cheese gradually, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent graininess.
• Add cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon, stirring until well combined and coated in the cheese sauce.
• Serve immediately for optimal creaminess and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
g

|

Calories:
741
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
39
g

|

Protein:
38
g

|

Fat:
48
g

|

Saturated Fat:
24
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
19
g

|

Trans Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
136
mg

|

Sodium:
1674
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
7
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes
minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6

Calories:
741

Keyword:
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

**This post is sponsored by American Dairy Mideast. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

For more information about dairy nutrition, to find delicious new recipes and to meet Ohio and West Virginia dairy farmers, visit www.Drink-MIlk.com, and follow the American Dairy Association Mideast on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

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