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Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Recipe

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Recipe

Hey y'all! If you're craving seriously gooey, ultra-cheesy comfort food, this Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon is about to become your new go-to recipe. It's loaded with crispy, smoky bacon, coated in a silky cheese sauce, and topped with a golden crust—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you just need a big bowl of happiness! Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • The combination of creamy cheese sauce and crunchy bacon delivers irresistible flavor in every bite.
  • It all comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more convenience.
  • Customizable for picky eaters or adventurous palates with your favorite cheeses or add-ins.
  • Bakes up with a bubbling, golden top for that perfect cheesy crust.
  • Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or low-fuss gatherings.

Ingredients for Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Bacon

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni for 6-7 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, add chopped bacon to a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard most bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  2. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère (or mozzarella), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is velvety.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

  1. Add the drained macaroni and most of the bacon (reserve a little for topping) into the cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
  2. Sprinkle Parmesan and remaining bacon over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  3. Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Notes & Tips for Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • For extra crunch, top with toasted breadcrumbs before baking (learn how here).
  • Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is key so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
  • You can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother (find out why here).

Variations for Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • Buffalo Style: Stir in ¼ cup buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
  • Veggie Loaded: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients and color.
  • Spicy Jalapeño: Mix in 1-2 diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Required Equipment for Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • 12-inch oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron)
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Slotted spoon
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions: Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • Cool leftovers completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
  • Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted sausages for extra protein.
  • Try with a glass of dry white wine or a cold lager for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Pro Tips for Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

  • Don’t skip the roux: It keeps the sauce creamy and prevents separation (learn more here).
  • Let the skillet rest 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets and slices beautifully.
  • Use a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor—try smoked gouda or fontina for a twist!

FAQ: Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Can I make Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time if cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture may be slightly less creamy after thawing. Reheat with a splash of milk for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

★★★★★ 4.60 from 168 ratings

Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 25 mins
total: 40 mins
A creamy, cheesy skillet mac and cheese loaded with crispy bacon for a comforting and flavorful dinner that's quick and easy to make.
Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2
    In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. 3
    Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. 4
    Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. 5
    Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth.
  6. 6
    Add the cooked macaroni and most of the bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Top with remaining bacon and parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620 caloriescal
Protein: 28gg
Fat: 34gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 48gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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