Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon bits. This epic dish is a crowd-pleasing classic that brings people together around the table. With a crunchy, golden-brown topping, this mac and cheese is a surefire way to satisfy your deepest cozy cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole with a Crunchy Topping
This bacon mac and cheese casserole is the epitome of comfort food bliss. The velvety, lush cheese sauce envelops tender elbow macaroni, while crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty pop of flavor. The crowning glory is the crispy, golden-brown topping that provides a delightful textural contrast to the melty, creamy base. It’s an indulgent, hearty dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This bacon mac and cheese casserole calls for a few key ingredients to create its signature flavor and texture. You’ll need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a topping of panko breadcrumbs and more bacon.
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- ¼ cup – All-purpose flour
- 3 cups – Milk
- 2 cups – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup – Crispy bacon bits
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk (works just as well for a creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce).
- Vegetarian: Substitute vegetarian bacon or crispy fried onions for the bacon topping.
How to Make Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole with a Crunchy Topping
This bacon mac and cheese casserole comes together in just a few simple steps for a comforting, mouthwatering result.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and melty. Fold in the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon bits.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and additional bacon bits. Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the casserole at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Veggie-Forward: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes for a nutritious twist.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave or the oven until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This bacon mac and cheese casserole is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A single serving provides a satisfying dose of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium, with the added benefit of the crispy bacon topping providing a boost of flavor.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 41 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked bacon is a great time-saving shortcut. Simply add the crispy bacon bits directly to the cheese sauce and topping.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Use a gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce.
How can I make this dish more veggie-forward?
For a nutritious twist, try stirring in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or diced tomatoes to the mac and cheese mixture. You can also serve the casserole with a fresh green salad on the side.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
What can I serve with this bacon mac and cheese?
This casserole is a hearty, comforting main dish, but it also pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of garlic bread for dipping in the creamy, cheesy goodness.
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Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole with a Crunchy Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy bacon and a crunchy topping for an irresistible dish. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling.
4. 4. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. 5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
6. 6. Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. 7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. 8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
9. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. 10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Feel free to use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: bacon, mac and cheese, casserole, comfort food