Bacon Mac and Cheese

Bacon Mac and cheese is super rich, easy, cheesy, satisfying and made with vegan bacon bites for an amazing texture and flavor. It is an amazing meal which comes together in around 20 minutes and is always a crowd pleaser. You can be sure pickiest kids will polish their plates in no time.

Why you will love this Bacon Mac and Cheese 

Let me tell you guys what makes Bacon Mac and Cheese different from other mac and cheese recipes and what makes it extra, top notch delicious.

Already in my Creamy Mac and Cheese I emphasized  that using cream cheese makes all the difference. It adds a really creamy and satisfying texture.

Don’t use sour cream, cream cheese is the real deal it taste so wonderful.

The bacon bites: I can’t help myself and need to add some more flavor to it. So I use smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning.

If you are going to make this easy Mac and Cheese, you will feel as if it comes from a fancy restaurant. And you can be proud that everything comes together in under 20 minutes. It is a great meal that is easy enough for busy weeknights.

Last, but certainly not least, you can see in my step by step pictures: I use precooked macaroni to save a good amount of time. This comes so handy. Your pasta is ready and doesn’t even need to be cooled off so you can start.

What you need for this Bacon Mac and Cheese

Besides of the tasty bacon bites and smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder you need the following:

Macaroni: I like to use big macaroni noodles, because they hold the sauce perfectly and you have a bit sauce in each and every bite. Smaller ones will work, but I find bigger is more tasty. This also works really great with leftover pasta.

Dairy free butter: I use the butter for the bacon bites and the mac and cheese sauce which adds so much great, rich flavor.

Oat milk gives a creamy and rich taste and makes everything just amazing. You can of course use any one other plant milk you like. It works great with any.

Vegan cheddar, parmesan and cream cheese: I like to use lots of them. In my gusto there isn’t anyhing better and more delicious. The more, the better and cheesy it gets, yum.

How to make Bacon Mac and Cheese

In a casserole, heat 2 Tbsp butter. Use low heat which is important for accurate results. You should have 1 Tbsp remaining for use later. Add now bacon bites, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning and cook everything for around 3 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan, set it aside, and use a paper towel to clean up.

Add the remaining 1 Tbsp butter to the casserole together with the cheddar. Stir everything on low heat until it is completely melted.

Give the cream cheese, milk, and parmesan to the molten cheddar, and mix everything into a smooth sauce. Season with garlic and onion powder, as well as a pinch of salt and pepper.

Finally add bacon bites back, mix in precooked mac and enjoy.

Leftover and freezing options

I tell you this Bacon Mac and Cheese won’t last long, because this it is truly so amazing and everyone will devour it. But if you do have some leftovers, you can stick them in the fridge for 5 days. It reheats well on the stove. Always use low temperature for warming up. Also you can use the microwave.

For freezing: let everything cool down completely before putting this dish into the freezer. Use a freezer friendly container with a lid on top. For individual portions you can use freezer bags. You can enjoy it for around 2 months.

Tips and tricks

You can easily make a double or third batch of the Bacon Mac and Cheese for meal prep, or stick the rest in the freezer, as above in the freezing instructions.

I find this is really amazing and delicious as it is, but if you are looking for a topping you can use bread crumbs, potato chips or crackers.

Other Mac and Cheese recipes you will love

• One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
• Southern Mac and Cheese
• Deluxe Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Try this Bacon Mac and Cheese and share your remakes with me on Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.