Introduction

When it comes to ultimate comfort food, few dishes top Bacon Alfredo Mac and Cheese. This creamy, indulgent recipe combines the rich flavors of a traditional Alfredo sauce with the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, and to make it even better, it’s topped with crispy bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese. The Alfredo sauce base, made with Parmesan and butter, gets a mac and cheese twist by adding extra sharp cheddar, giving it the perfect balance of creaminess and tang. Finished with a golden, cheesy bacon topping, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Whether you’re preparing a special family dinner or simply craving an indulgent meal, this Bacon Alfredo Mac and Cheese is a satisfying, savory dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in about 45 minutes.

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Ingredients:

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
• Crispy bacon bits (from cooked bacon)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

• While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. When cooled, crumble the bacon into bits.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
• Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Add in 1 cup of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted into the sauce.
• Season with ground nutmeg (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta with the Sauce

• Once the Alfredo sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Mac and Cheese

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Pour the Alfredo-coated mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta.
• Scatter the crumbled bacon bits generously over the cheese topping.

Step 6: Bake the Mac and Cheese

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

• Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• For added flavor, garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

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Cooking Note:

• If you prefer a smoother Alfredo sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce before mixing it with the pasta.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little heat.

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Serving Suggestions:

This Bacon Alfredo Mac and Cheese is rich and hearty on its own but can be paired with lighter sides like a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or a simple garlic bread for a perfect comfort-food feast.

If you’re serving this dish as part of a larger meal, it also works well as a side to hearty mains like roast beef, pork chops, or baked chicken.

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Tips:

• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time by assembling the dish (before baking), covering it with foil, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing option: This dish also freezes well. Assemble the mac and cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake.
• Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even grilled chicken to make the dish more substantial.

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Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30 minutes

Total Time:

• 45 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 23g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 44g
• Fiber: 2g

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Conclusion

This Bacon Alfredo Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of two classic comfort foods—Alfredo pasta and mac and cheese. The creamy, rich Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan and extra sharp cheddar elevates the dish beyond traditional mac and cheese, while the crispy bacon topping adds a smoky, savory crunch that takes every bite to the next level. It’s a wonderfully indulgent, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself to a little decadence.

With its easy preparation and bold flavors, this bacon-loaded mac and cheese is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

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