Easy Bacon and Macaroni Cheese | Rich, Cheesy Comfort Food

Bacon and macaroni cheese
Bacon and macaroni cheese

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This is a dinner the whole family will enjoy. It’s quick, simple and properly tasty, the kind of meal you can throw together without any fuss. This bacon and macaroni cheese is everything you want from true comfort food — creamy, cheesy and bubbling from the oven, with salty, crispy bacon running through every bite.

It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again: easy to make with everyday ingredients, reliably satisfying and guaranteed to bring that cosy, creamy comfort everyone loves at the table.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon & Macaroni Cheese

  • Crusty Bread or a Warm Baguette Great for turning it into a hearty, café‑style meal.
  • Simple Green Salad A fresh mix of leaves with olive oil and lemon. Light, crisp, and the perfect contrast to the creamy, smoky pasta.
  • Garlic Bread Classic, comforting, and ideal for scooping up any leftover sauce.
  • Crispy Fries or Chunky Chips For a proper indulgent dinner. Skinny fries, chunky chips, or sweet potato fries all work beautifully.
  • Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli Adds colour and crunch. Roast with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon.
  • Peas or Peas & Sweetcorn Quick, easy, and a great way to add a bit of sweetness and freshness to the plate.
  • Tomato & Red Onion Salad Juicy tomatoes with thinly sliced onion, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Brightens everything up.
  • Garlic Roasted Tomatoes Sweet, juicy, and perfect if you want something warm on the side.
  • Coleslaw Creamy or light — either adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
  • Steamed Green Beans Simple, quick, and a nice clean contrast to the creamy pasta.

Variations: Bacon & Macaroni Cheese

  • Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese — add smoked paprika or use smoked bacon for deeper, smoky warmth.
  • Caramelised Onion Mac & Cheese — stir in caramelised onions for sweetness and extra depth.
  • Tomato & Bacon Mac & Cheese — add chopped tomatoes or semi‑dried tomatoes for tangy richness.
  • Spicy Bacon Mac & Cheese — add jalapeños or chilli flakes for gentle heat.
  • Three‑Cheese Mac & Cheese — mix cheddar, gouda and Parmesan for a richer, more complex sauce.
  • Creamy Mac & Cheese — add a little cream or crème fraîche for a velvety, indulgent sauce.
  • Crunchy Topped Mac & Cheese — finish with breadcrumbs or panko for a golden, crispy topping.
  • Herby Bacon Mac & Cheese — add fresh parsley or basil for brightness and freshness.
  • BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese — add a touch of BBQ seasoning or sauce for smoky‑sweet depth.
  • Bacon & Pea Mac & Cheese — add peas for pops of sweetness and colour.
  • Bacon & Broccoli Mac & Cheese — fold in small cooked broccoli florets for extra veg and texture.
  • Bacon & Garlic Mac & Cheese — add garlic powder or sautéed garlic for aromatic warmth.
  • Bacon & Mustard Mac & Cheese — add Dijon mustard for sharpness and savoury depth.
  • Bacon Mac & Cheese Bake — bake until bubbling with extra cheese on top for a comforting, crowd‑pleasing finish
Bacon and macaroni cheese

Bacon and macaroni cheese

A creamy bacon macaroni cheese with a rich, smoky sauce and crisp golden topping, perfect for cosy family dinners and easy weeknight comfort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine British
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Oven dish

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g macaroni pasta
  • ½ tbsp vegetable oil
  • 8 rashers smoked back bacon, cubed
  • 40 g salted butter
  • 40 g plain flour
  • 600 ml semi skimmed milk
  • 250 g grated cheddar, plus extra for sprinkling on top

Instructions
 

  • Cook the macaroni according to the packets instructions, drain and set aside.
  • In the meantime, heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the bacon until crispy, place on a piece of kitchen paper and set to one side.
  • To make the sauce, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat. With a large hand whisk add the flour and whisk continuously for a minute. Top tip: I find using a large hand held balloon whisk you are less likely to have lumps.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, a little as at time. Cook for around 10mins until thickened and smooth.
  • Remove from the hob, add the cheese and stir until its well combined and melted.
  • Pre-heat the grill on a medium heat.
  • Add the macaroni and bacon and combine together. Tip into an oven proof dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and place under the grill until cheese starts to melt and turns golden.
  • Serve immediately with some crispy iceberg lettuce and garlic bread.