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5.0 from 12 votes

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Bacon Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy three cheese baked mac and cheese with bacon inside and on top. The perfect holiday side dish!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 426 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Bacon , cooked and crumbled
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2  cup  unsalted butter
  • 1/2  cup  flour
  • 2  teaspoons  powdered mustard
  • 1/2  teaspoon  cayenne pepper
  • 1  teaspoon  paprika
  • 6 cups  milk
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1  large egg
  • 4  ounces  Monterey jack cheese
  • 4  ounces  mozzarella
  • 12 ounces sharp cheddar , divided

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Shred the cheeses, keeping 2 cups of the cheddar off to the side for the topping.
  3. Cook the pasta then let it sit in the water an extra 10 minutes (this will help it avoid soaking up the cheese sauce) before draining and rinsing gently.
  4. Place the bacon in a large pan over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
  6. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan; discard the rest of the fat.
  7. Add the butter to the pan and melt.
  8. Add the flour, mustard, cayenne and paprika and whisk together until fully combined, cook for an additional 15 seconds.
  9. Add the milk slowly while whisking to keep the mixture well combined.
  10. Add in the salt and pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  11. Turn off the heat.
  12. Remove 1 cup of the milk  mixture and let cool for a 3-5 minutes in the refrigerator in a larger glass measuring cup or bowl.
  13. Add the egg to the cooled milk and whisk it well until fully combined.
  14. Turn the heat on the pot back on to medium-low.
  15. Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture into the rest of the milk while whisking very well.
  16. Add in the Monterey jack, mozzarella and 1 cup of the sharp cheddar and whisk until combined.
  17. Add the rinsed macaroni and half of the bacon pieces back into the pot and toss with the cheese sauce.
  18. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and bacon.
  19. Bake for 30 minutes, uncovered.

Nutrition Information

Calories 426kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 74mg (25%) Sodium 651mg (27%) Potassium 279mg (8%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 859IU (17%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 345mg (35%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 426

% Daily Value*

Calories 426kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 74mg 25%
Sodium 651mg 27%
Potassium 279mg 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 859IU 17%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 345mg 35%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.