Baked Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with crispy bacon baked to perfection. A simple, comforting dinner or side dish anyone can make.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅔ cup milk
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when the pasta and sauce come together.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain well and keep for later.
- In a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the evaporated milk, heavy cream, and regular milk, stirring to blend them into a smooth base.
- Season the mixture with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until they fully melt and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and about two-thirds of the crumbled bacon, making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes. If you want a browned top, broil for a few more minutes.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped chives and the remaining bacon.
- Let it cool slightly, then serve.