Decadent Creamy Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Bits

Recipe by Peter G

Published September 23, 2025

Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience! This Creamy Mac & Cheese isn't just a side dish; it's a luscious main event, brimming with a velvety smooth cheese sauce and elevated by irresistible crispy bacon bits. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and brings a smile to everyone at the table.

Instructions

**1. Cook the Bacon:** In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

**2. Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

**3. Make the Roux:** In the same skillet (with reserved bacon fat) or a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to form a light golden roux. This will cook out the raw flour taste.

**4. Build the Cheese Sauce:** Gradually whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

**5. Melt the Cheese:** Reduce heat to low. Add the grated cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**6. Combine:** Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Gently fold in about two-thirds of the crispy bacon bits.

**7. Serve:** Transfer the mac & cheese to serving bowls. Garnish generously with the remaining crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

Final Notes

This Creamy Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Bits is perfect as a comforting main course, but also makes an incredible side dish for BBQ or roasted meats. For an extra touch of indulgence, you could transfer it to a baking dish, top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. Enjoy every luscious, savory bite!

About the Author

Peter G

Cooking is my passion. I love blogging and sharing my creative recipes with the world. With my busy lifestyle, it can be challenging to create new recipes, write posts, and ensure everything is formatted and presented well. I started MealMagX for this very reason—for those who share my passion for creative cooking but may not have the time to maintain a blog.

Decadent Creamy Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Bits

Ingredients

Instructions

Final Notes

Categories

About the Author

Peter G