Oh, my dear culinary adventurers! Gather around because I’m about to take you on a cozy journey into the world of my beloved Bacon Mac & Cheese. This dish has a story woven into the very fabric of my kitchen. It all began on a chilly autumn evening, the kind where the leaves dance in the wind and you can almost smell the warmth in the air. I found myself craving something comforting, something that not only warmed my belly but also my heart. Imagine the intoxicating aroma of bacon sizzling in the skillet, the sound of cheese melting into a gooey embrace while pasta shells gently bobbed away in a pot of boiling joy.
This glorious combination of flavors and textures wraps you in a hug of comfort—a bite of crispy bacon here, a creamy swathe of cheese there. Cooking this recipe fills your kitchen with rich, savory scents, inviting everyone to come closer, to partake in the love sprinkled throughout this dish. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to share it with everyone you hold dear.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip this up in no time!
- Quick Cook Time: Dinner is ready in less than an hour, so you can enjoy a cozy meal without a lengthy wait.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, you’ll hear the “Mmmmm”s echoing across the table!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheeses, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of taste.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize and add your creative twist according to your taste preferences.
Full recipe card is below.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions (Optional): 2 large yellow onions
Tip: Sweet, rich caramelized onions add a delightful depth of flavor!2 Tablespoons butter & 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tip: The combo keeps things from burning and gives a nice, smooth buttery finish!6 strips of thick-cut bacon (hickory smoked is great!)
Tip: The more bacon, the better! It adds that beautiful smoky flavor we all crave!1 lb. medium pasta shells
Tip: Shells are perfect for capturing all that creamy goodness—don’t skip them!1/4 cup butter (not needed if you have enough bacon drippings)
Tip: Use the drippings to amp up the flavor unless you’re running short!1/4 cup flour
Tip: This helps thicken our luscious cheese sauce!1 cup heavy cream
Tip: For that ultra-creamy texture we all dream of!2 cups milk
Tip: Whole milk is best, but any kind will do in a pinch!1 teaspoon mustard powder
Tip: Just a hint adds a lovely tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness!½ teaspoon dried thyme
Tip: This herb brightens the dish with a hint of earthiness!¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Tip: A must-have for that aromatic warmth every mac and cheese deserves!1 teaspoon hot sauce
Tip: Add more if you like a little kick; it’s a flavor gamechanger!1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
Tip: This melty cheese brings depth with its nutty flavor!2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Tip: Use sharp cheddar for a stronger taste that plays well with the bacon!¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Tip: A sprinkle of this on top can elevate everything to gourmet status!
Full Recipe Card
Follow the instructions below for a splendid culinary experience!
How to Make It
Step 1: Slice & Dice
Slice the onions into even, ¼-inch slices.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat. Let them reduce and caramelize for 40-50 minutes, stirring every few minutes. (Tip: Switch to low heat if they cook too fast!) The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
While the onions cook, cut the bacon into thirds. This makes it easy to move them around for even cooking. Add them to a large, high-walled skillet over low heat and let them cook low and slow until crispy on each side. (Tip: Measure out your remaining ingredients while the bacon works its magic!)
Step 4: Set the Bacon Aside
Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the glorious bacon drippings for an unbeatable flavor boost. (Tip: Use butter if you don’t have enough drippings!)
Step 5: Boil the Pasta
Now’s a good time to start boiling salted pasta water for the shells—get that pot bubbling!
Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce
Heat the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes. Gradually add the heavy cream in splashes, stirring continuously to keep it creamy and prevent breaking, followed by the milk in the same manner.
Step 7: Season the Sauce
Add the mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 8: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta until just al dente (refer to package instructions), being careful not to overcook. Drain and set aside.
Step 9: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and let it cool slightly. Gradually sprinkle in the cheese, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated. (Tip: The mixture should be smooth and creamy!)
Step 10: Combine it All
Add the caramelized onions, then the drained pasta. Use a silicone spatula to stir until beautifully combined.
Step 11: Don’t Forget the Bacon!
Roughly chop the bacon and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese. Stir some of it in if you desire—trust me, there’s never too much bacon!
Step 12: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with parsley for a pop of color and serve up this delightful dish!
Pro Tips for Success
- Stay Patient with the Onions: Good caramelization takes time, so savor the process!
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Invest in good cheeses for a melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It’ll continue cooking in the cheese sauce!
Flavor Variations
Explore your creativity with these additions:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or roasted broccoli for a nutritious twist!
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or fontina for a rich depth.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can brighten your mac and cheese!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a fresh side salad for a great balance, or enjoy it straight out of the pot for a cozy evening. A crisp white wine or a light, fruity beer complements the richness beautifully!
Make-Ahead & Storage
Prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently and stir in the freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
Leftovers
Use leftover Bacon Mac & Cheese to make delightful stuffed peppers! Or, mix it with a bit of ranch dressing for a creamy pasta salad!
Freezing
Yes, this can be frozen! Just store it in an airtight container—allow it to cool completely first. For best results, consume within 2 months.
Reheating
The skillet is your best friend for reheating; add a splash of milk while stirring over medium heat. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring every minute.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.
What if I don’t have gruyere cheese?
You can substitute it with more cheddar or a mix of mozzarella and provolone!
Can I make this dish without bacon?
Sure! You can add mushrooms or smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
How do I make this a one-pot meal?
Try combining everything in a large pot and reducing the number of dishes—just make sure to monitor your cooking times!
Final Thoughts
So, my friends, there you have it! My cherished Bacon Mac & Cheese—a recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends and family. As you prepare this dish, let the scents of cheese and bacon surround you like a warm blanket, filling your space with love and comfort. Remember, cooking is all about joy, creativity, and connection, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a little of your magical touch! Enjoy every cheesy, delightful bite, and until we meet again in the kitchen, happy cooking!
With warmth,
Chef Caroline 🍽️
Bacon Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 1 lb medium pasta shells Shells are perfect for capturing all that creamy goodness.
- 2 large yellow onions Caramelized onions add a delightful depth of flavor!
- 2 tablespoons butter Keeps things from burning and gives a nice, smooth buttery finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used to caramelize the onions.
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon Hickory smoked is great for flavor.
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter Not needed if you have enough bacon drippings.
- 1/4 cup flour Helps thicken the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Provides ultra-creamy texture.
- 2 cups milk Whole milk is best, but any kind will do.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder Adds a lovely tangy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Brightens the dish with earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder A must-have for aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce Add more for extra kick.
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded Brings depth with its nutty flavor.
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Sharp cheddar for stronger taste.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded Sprinkle this on top to elevate the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the onions into even, ¼-inch slices.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat. Let them caramelize for 40-50 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
- While the onions cook, cut the bacon into thirds and cook in a large skillet over low heat until crispy. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
- Start boiling salted water for the pasta shells.
Making the Sauce
- Heat the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Once the heavy cream is mixed, add the milk gradually while stirring.
- Season the sauce with mustard powder, thyme, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Reduce the sauce heat to low, and gradually add the cheeses, stirring until melted.
Combining Ingredients
- Add caramelized onions and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir until combined.
- Add roughly chopped bacon and mix well.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.