Dressed Up Bacon Mac and Cheese

Take your comfort food game to the next level with this indulgent Dressed Up Bacon Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, this recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, creating a depth of flavor that elevates every bite. Crispy, smoky bacon adds a burst of savory goodness, while a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping provides the perfect crunch. Seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, this dish is baked to bubbling perfection in just 25 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a decadent comfort food fix, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a gourmet touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 8 slices bacon
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and crumbled bacon. Mix well and transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2358.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6210.6

Total Fat 378.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 215.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 1095.0mg	0%
Sodium 9536.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 392.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 62.9g
Protein 292.3g	0%

Vitamin D 511.7IU	0%
Calcium 6479.9mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 2472.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.5%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 25.5%