Baked Mac and Cheese

This Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, pasta baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping.

📝 Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled (about 1/2 cup))
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions (sliced (for serving, optional))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
3. 3In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. 4Add cooked pasta and bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until fully coated. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
5. 5In a small bowl, toss together the breadcrumbs, butter, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
6. 6Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until and bubbly and golden brown on top. Top with sliced green onions, if desired. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.