Creamy Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Jump to Recipe

When you're in the mood for some home-cooked comfort food, there's nothing quite like a big bowl of macaroni and cheese. This stove top macaroni and cheese recipe is fast and easy to make. No need to turn on the oven to get your fix of delicious cheesy pasta! It is rich, creamy, and oh-so cheesy, and it's super easy to make. In no time at all, you'll have a piping hot bowl of mac & cheese that's sure to hit the spot.

cast iron skillet filled with macaroni and cheese on table with red napkin

Jump to:

Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
What Does Macaroni and Cheese Go With?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Pasta Recipes
📖 Recipe

Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. I know that making it from scratch can be a hassle, but this recipe made it easy for you. You get that rich, cheesy delicious meal that you are craving without all of the steps, and no need to turn on the oven.

If you prefer a baked option, check out this Southern-style mac and cheese. It's delicious and super easy to make too!

close up image of bacon macaroni and cheese

What Does Macaroni and Cheese Go With?

There are many different options when it comes to what to serve with your macaroni and cheese. You can keep it simple and just enjoy it as is. A lot of people will have macaroni and cheese as the main dish. You can also make it as a side dish.

If serving this as a side dish, I love it alongside these crispy parmesan chicken thighs or this super easy-baked crispy chicken legs recipe. Of course, it is a classic side for good old-fashioned buttermilk fried chicken.

My husband loves it alongside chicken fried steak, but you can also serve this as a side to these skillet pork chops or even this simple beef pot roast.

And if this is the main dish, I like adding a side of roasted broccoli and cauliflower or a light side salad like this creamy broccoli salad.

cast iron skillet on red napkin filled with bacon shells and cheese

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 slices bacon
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I used a mix of yellow and white)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sour cream

Handy Kitchen Tools

macaroni shells and cheese with bacon crumbles in cast iron skillet

How to Make Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

For any pasta dish, you start by cooking your pasta I used elbow macaroni, but you can use any small pasta you prefer. I recommend cooking according to your pasta package directions. Typically elbow macaroni is al dente at 7 to 8 minutes after being added to boiling water. Make sure to generously salt the water as well for more flavor. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.

While the pasta cooks, you will prepare the bacon and sauce. Begin with cooking the bacon over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels until cool. Once cooled crumble or chop into small pieces and set it aside.

Now, pour off any excess grease, but don't wash or clean out the pan. Put it back on the burner and set it to medium heat again. Add in the butter and stir as it melts.

Once the butter has mostly melted, begin whisking or stirring in the flour. You don't want to brown this, but get it just incorporated well with the butter and grease in the pan.

Once it is combined nicely, you will then whisk in the milk and heavy cream. I like to pour this in ½ cup at a time whisking while I do so to prevent lumps from forming.

Bring this to a simmer and then add in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can add additional seasoning if you wish. I like to add ½ teaspoon paprika and ¼ teaspoon mustard powder for an extra bit of flavor.

Now, add in the cheeses, a little at a time, stirring until it is melted and combined.

Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it has thickened but is still very pourable.

Now, reduce the heat to low and add the bacon to the roux and stir to combine.

Then, pour over the noodles and stir to combine. Taste and add additional seasoning if desired before serving.

square white bowl of macaroni shells and cheese with bacon crumbles

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have to Make a Roux For Macaroni and Cheese?

While it is my preferred method, it is not necessary. However, if you want the creamiest, velvety sauce possible, I would recommend making the roux. It only takes an extra minute or so and the results are worth it. It forms the base of the sauce. For this stovetop macaroni and cheese, I have used a roux method.

What Cheese is Best in Mac and Cheese?

Typically macaroni and cheese is made using cheddar cheese. I like to give a bit of a twist on mine to give it an even better taste by adding a combination of white cheddar, yellow cheddar, and in this case a good mozzarella for the cheesiest mixture.

Another good option to add is a nice American cheese as it melts beautifully and has a nice mild flavor. You can also use things like gouda, fontina, or even Colby if you prefer. For a kick of heat, add in some pepper jack cheese instead.

Can I Make This Ahead and Freeze It?

I love making bacon macaroni and cheese ahead of time and then freezing it for later. It is a great way to have homemade food on hand to enjoy later.

After you have made the mac and cheese, let it cool completely. I like to portion it into small portions so that I can bring out individual size servings when I am ready to enjoy them.

Place the portions in small freezer bags. Make sure to write what is in the bag and what day it was made. Then press it flat the store in the freezer.

cast iron skillet of macaroni and cheese with bacon

More Easy Pasta Recipes

Pasta is the base of many meals. Whether it is the main ingredient or a side dish, it's sure to be on your menu at least once a week if not more. If you need more variety in your meal plan and want to keep pasta as part of the menu, check out my favorites below. Make sure to bookmark these, print out the recipes, or pin them to a favorite recipes board on Pinterest.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8

Creamy Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

A delicious homemade creamy bacon macaroni and cheese is the perfect weeknight entree or side to your favorite protein!

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 slices bacon
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sour cream

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente then drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, in a medium skillet, cook the bacon on medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp then remove it and set it aside to drain on paper towels.
Pour out any excess grease from the pan, but do not wipe it out.
Now, return the skillet to the stove top and add the butter.
Once melted, add in the flour and begin stirring. Cook the flour for 1 minute, until it is combined with the butter and residual bacon grease in the pan.
Whisk in the heavy cream and milk and stir until combined with the flour and no lumps remain.
Then, add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add in the cheese, one cup at a time, until it is melted and combined. Continue cooking until it has thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and add the crumbled bacon to the roux, then add in the noodles and stir to combine.
Serve with additional salt and black pepper as needed.