Bacon Mac and Cheese

This easy Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe is made entirely on the stovetop, no oven required, for a quick, creamy comfort food classic. Loaded with crispy bacon and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s perfect as a hearty main dish or an easy side for busy weeknight dinners and family meals.

Easy Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe

This macaroni and cheese recipe is made for real life, the kind of days when everyone’s hungry and you need dinner on the table fast. It comes together with minimal prep, and thanks to easy-melting Velveeta, the creamy cheese sauce is smooth and ready in no time flat. No fuss, no oven, just rich, cheesy comfort foods straight from the stovetop. Serve it as a cozy main dish with your favorite vegetables or a crisp green salad, or spoon it alongside your favorite family meals as a crowd-pleasing side. Either way, this flavorful mac is dependable, delicious, and always a hit.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make stovetop Bacon Mac and Cheese with Velveeta: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – Classic elbow macaroni for the pasta layer.
• Bacon – Classic bacon for a smoky flavor. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the drippings for added flavor.
• Sauce – Unsalted butter, all purpose flour and whole milk for the cheese sauce.
• Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, ground mustard, smoked paprika, granulated garlic or garlic powder and onion powder.
• Cheese – One pound block of Velveeta or similar easy melt cheese.
• Garnish – Sliced green onions for color and a hint of onion flavor.

How to Make the Best Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Boil the Macaroni – Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water per the package directions. Drain well.
• Fry Bacon – Cook bacon until crisp over medium-high heat. Remove to paper towels to drain, then chop. Reserve drippings in pot.
• Make the Roux – To a large deep skillet or pot add butter and flour to bacon drippings stir until absorbed.
• Liquid and Spices – Gradually whisk in milk, and seasonings. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add cubed Velveeta. Lower heat to medium, stirring until melted.
• Combine – Add cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to skillet, mix well. Thin sauce with reserved 1 cup of milk, adding more or less as needed to thin. Simmer for a few minutes over medium heat.
• Serve immediately garnished with crumbled bacon and green onions, if desired.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Bacon Mac and Cheese with Velveeta

• A large pasta pot.
• Large skillet or saucepan.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Knife and chopping board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Bacon – Make your own crispy fried bacon or replace it with turkey bacon or diced ham.
• Velveeta Cheese – Using the full 16 ounce package of  Velveeta will be quite cheesy. You can use a private label store brand of easy melt Velveeta-like cheese.
• Salt – Depending on your personal preference, you may adjust the amount of sodium used for the sauce after adding the Velveeta cheese as it will have sodium as well. Do this in particular if you’re sensitive to salt.
• Thin the Sauce – You have opportunity to thin the sauce further by adding additional milk to the pan. Begin with 2 cups per the recipe, then thin to your taste.
• Cheese Topping – This macaroni and cheese is designed to made on the stovetop. If you like, you can sprinkle the top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, gouda cheese or colby jack cheese, too. If the skillet used is oven safe, pop it under the oven broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown.
• Breadcrumbs – You could also add crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter to the top of the mac for crunch and texture. When doing so, pop the skillet (make sure its oven safe!) under the oven broiler to toast.
• Pasta – You can use a similar size pasta like medium shells for this recipe. You could also adapt using gluten free noodles.
• Spice – You could add a few dashes of hot sauce, green chiles or diced jalapeño for a little heat.
• Vegetables – You could add 1 cup of petite green peas or chopped steamed broccoli florets to the macaroni for a one pot meal.
• You may also like this macaroni and cheese using freshly grated cheddar cheese like my recipe for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer – If freezing leftover macaroni and cheese, make sure it’s completely cool and package in your preferred serving amount. Store frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.
• Reheating – When reheating you may need to add additional milk to thin the sauce and prevent it from becoming dry.

More Easy Casserole Recipes to Make

• You can serve this Chili Mac Recipe for casual meals and game day snacking.
• Rotel Chicken Spaghetti combines spaghetti with a hint of heat.
• You’ll love this Baked Ziti for Italian night at home.
• Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole is an elevated version of a classic.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is another one dish meal!
• Beef and Noodles Casserole is full flavored.
• Baked Penne with Vegetables from Food Network.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 12-inch Skillet
• Pasta Cooker 
• Cutting Board Set
• Pasta Bowls