If there’s one comfort food that never disappoints, it’s a big, bubbling dish of bacon mac and cheese. This version takes things to the next level with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan.
This creamy, smoky, cheesy classic is as good as it sounds, and it’s perfect with comfort-food mains, like honey lime grilled chicken, cheeseburger sliders, or fried chicken bites.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with crispy bacon and caramelized onions
- Ultra creamy, rich cheese sauce
- Perfect balance of smoky, savory, and cheesy
- Baked to golden, bubbly perfection
- Great for family dinners or gatherings
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
- Bacon: Brings that smoky, salty crunch that cuts through the richness and makes the whole dish way more flavorful.
- Cheese Blend: This is what makes the mac and cheese extra delicious.
- Cheddar adds classic mac and cheese flavor.
- Gouda adds extra creaminess and a slightly smoky note.
- Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: Combining milk and heavy cream makes the sauce extra rich.
- Onion: Caramelized onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the salty bacon and rich cheese. It’s one of those flavors you’d miss if it weren’t there.
- BBQ Rub Seasonings: This is the twist. It adds a smoky, slightly sweet, slightly spicy kick that makes this mac & cheese stand out.
Variations
- Smoked: Fire up the smoker to make smoked mac and cheese.
- Spicy: Add jalapenos for a kick of heat.
- Swap the Gouda: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack in place of Gouda.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Top with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Add Meat: Mix in pulled pork or brisket for pork or brisket mac and cheese.
How to Make Bacon Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside. Drain, reserving a bit of the grease in the skillet.
Step 2: Cook the onions in the grease until golden. Then, add sugar and cook until caramelized.
Step 3: Cook the butter and flour until golden. Then, whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
Step 4: Add the BBQ seasoning and simmer. Then, slowly whisk in the cheese until melted, reserving 1 cup for the topping.
Step 5: Mix in the bacon, onions, and al dente pasta.
Step 6: Pour into an 8×8 baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake until browned. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Stir the cheese in gradually for the best melting.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to thicken.
Bacon Mac and Cheese FAQs
Yes! You can fully assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, bake as directed. Just add a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes, you can. Freezing works best before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. You can also freeze cooked mac and cheese for up to 2 months.
Medium shells work great because they hold onto the creamy sauce, but elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rotini are also good options.
Don’t overbake, and let it rest for a few minutes after baking. You can also stir in a splash of milk when reheating.
You can add jalapenos for heat, pulled pork or brisket for a meaty version, or even extra veggies for more color and texture.
Great Mains for Your Mac and Cheese
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Bacon Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bacon, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 ounce medium pasta shells
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 16 ounce sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounce gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon bbq rub seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Pasta
- Cook pasta according to directions for al dente. Drain. Set aside.
Bacon
- Preheat a large frying pan and cook bacon until crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Remove bacon grease, reserving 1 tablespoon.
Caramelized Onions
- Add the diced onions to the pan, with the reserved grease, and cook over medium heat until they begin to brown, stirring frequently.
- Once browned, turn flame to low and add sugar.
- Coat onions in sugar and cover with a lid, stirring occasionally, or until onions have caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan add the butter and flour.
- Cook over medium low heat, for about 3 minutes or until the mixture has started to turn pale golden yellow.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add your bbq seasoning and pepper, and turn heat to low. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Start adding cheeses in 1⁄3 increments, whisking thoroughly until the cheese has fully melted.
- Repeat with remaining cheese, reserving 1 cup for the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Remove from heat and fold in sour cream.
- Add bacon, caramelized onions, and noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour contents into an 8×8 baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and cook for 30 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and browned on the top.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Stir the cheese in gradually for the best melting.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to thicken.
Nutrition
Bacon in mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort treat! This was soo good! Cannot wait to make again!
That’s what I’m talking about! All I need now is some fried chicken, biscuits, and coleslaw. Om nom nom.
This is proof that bacon makes anything better. LOVE it!