A photo of a baking dish filled with crispy bacon mac and cheese. The cavatappi is coated in a gooey cheese sauce, with crispy bacon pieces scattered throughout. There's a breadcrumb topping that has browned to a golden colour. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, and there's a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish.

The BEST Bacon Mac and Cheese

Written by on in Dinner

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If there’s one dish that can bring my family together, it’s bacon mac and cheese.

There’s something so comforting about that creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the smoky crunch of bacon.

It’s not just a meal—it’s a family FAV.

One of my favourite things about this dish is that it’s fun to make.

My kids love helping with the small tasks—mixing the breadcrumbs, sprinkling cheese, or stealing a crispy piece of bacon when they think I’m not looking.

Cooking together turns into a little adventure, with laughter and the occasional flour spill along the way.

Whenever we can’t think of something for dinner this is a classic go-to for us.

We always have the ingredients on hand so its always a quick and yummy option for us!

A photo of a baking dish filled with crispy bacon mac and cheese. The cavatappi is coated in a gooey cheese sauce, with crispy bacon pieces scattered throughout. There's a breadcrumb topping that has browned to a golden colour. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, and there's a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish.

Why We Love It

As a parent, I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, and let’s face it—cheese and bacon are an unbeatable combo.

For my kids, it’s the cheesy noodles and crispy bacon bits that make them light up with excitement. For me? It’s about creating memories around the table.

This dish is pure comfort, and it’s a meal that turns an ordinary day into something special.

A photo of a baking dish filled with crispy bacon mac and cheese. The cavatappi is coated in a gooey cheese sauce, with crispy bacon pieces scattered throughout. There's a breadcrumb topping that has browned to a golden colour. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, and there's a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish.

The Recipe

Here’s how we make our family’s favourite bacon mac and cheese:

Bacon Mac and Cheese

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 12 oz bacon 9-12 slices
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Fry bacon until crispy, crumble, and set aside.
  • In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted. Mix in mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  • Add pasta and bacon to the cheese sauce, coating evenly. Transfer to a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs.
  • Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.
A photo of a baking dish filled with crispy bacon mac and cheese. The cavatappi is coated in a gooey cheese sauce, with crispy bacon pieces scattered throughout. There's a breadcrumb topping that has browned to a golden colour. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, and there's a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish.

Why It’s a Family Favorite

This bacon mac and cheese is more than just food—it’s a tradition in the making.

My kids always ask for it on their birthdays, and it’s the dish I make when someone’s had a rough day.

It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and crunchy—all the things comfort food should be.

What I love most is how this meal brings us together. We sit at the table, sharing laughs and stories, with everyone going back for seconds (and sometimes thirds).

And the leftovers?

They rarely make it past breakfast the next day.

If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like home, this bacon mac and cheese is it.

It’s easy to make, full of flavour, and guaranteed to make everyone around the table smile. From my family to yours—enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite!