When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the mark like a bubbling, golden-brown dish of mac and cheese with bacon. This version takes the classic to a whole new level by infusing rich flavor at every turn – pasta is boiled in a savory mix of chicken stock and milk, layered with sweet caramelized onions, and studded with crispy Canadian bacon. To top it off, we go full flavor with a blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy pull. It’s decadent, satisfying, and absolutely unforgettable.

Cook’s Notes

• Boiling pasta in chicken stock + milk = extra flavor: Forget flavorless noodles – this method infuses them with richness from the inside out.
• Canadian bacon adds a smoky, meaty punch: Crisped to perfection, it balances the creamy cheeses and adds just the right amount of salt.
• Caramelized onions lend deep sweetness: Slow-cooked until golden, they cut through the richness with subtle umami and a hint of sweetness.
• A two-cheese combo for ultimate melt and tang: Sharp cheddar brings the bite, while mozzarella delivers the gooey stretch you want in every forkful.
• Perfect for meal prep or entertaining: This dish reheats beautifully and is always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients in Homemade Mac & Cheese

• Chicken Broth or chicken stock
• Milk
• Shaped pasta
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Medium onion, sliced
• Canadian Bacon, chopped
• Peas, fresh or frozen
• Mozzarella, grated
• Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper. to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil Pasta in Stock and Milk:
   In a large pot, add the chicken broth and milk and bring just to a boil. Add the pasta to the milk mixture and cook according to directions, until al dente.
2. Cook the Canadian Bacon and Caramelize Onions:
   In a small frying pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat, add the onions and cook until they begin to caramelize, about 7-9 minutes. Add the Canadian bacon and continue to cook for 3-4 more minutes. Add the peas and turn off the heat.
3. Make a Slurry:
   In a small bowl add the water and cornstarch and mix to combine. Add to the cooked pasta & milk mixture and stir will to incorporate.
4. Add Cheeses, Bacon, & Serve:
   Add the caramelized onions, bacon and both cheeses and stir to combine. If the mixture is too stringy, you can add a touch more milk.  Add fresh ground pepper to taste and serve.

Tips for Storing

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
• Avoid Overheating: Too much heat can break the cheese sauce. Reheat slowly to keep everything smooth and luscious.

FAQ’s

There you have it – an indulgent, flavor-packed mac and cheese that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cozying up on a weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe checks all the boxes: cheesy, creamy, smoky, and satisfyingly savory. Just don’t expect leftovers to last long.

Mac & Cheese with Bacon Recipe

Heather

This is a simple Mac & Cheese recipe that's kicked up with crisp bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and crunchy peas. The recipe comes together quickly and is an easy weeknight meal.

YIELD: 8 Servings

5 from 2 reviews

PREP TIME:10 minutes mins

COOK TIME:20 minutes mins

TOTAL TIME:30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 4 cups chicken stock, or broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 lb shaped pasta, such as elbows
• 6 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced
• ¼ lb Canadian bacon, chopped
• 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup mozzarella, grated
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• black pepper, to taste
• kosher salt, to taste

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Instructions

 

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• In a large pot, add the chicken broth and milk and bring just to a boil. Add the pasta to the milk mixture and cook according to directions, until al dente.
• Coat a small frying pan cooking spray and heat to medium-high, add the onions and cook until they begin to caramelize, about 7-9 minutes. Add the Canadian bacon and continue to cook for 3-4 more minutes. Add the peas and turn off the heat.
• In a small bowl, add the water and cornstarch and mix to combine. Add to the cooked pasta & milk mixture and stir will to incorporate. Add the caramelized onions, bacon and both cheeses and stir until the cheese melts. If the mixture is too dry add a touch more milk. Add fresh ground pepper and salt, to taste and serve.

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Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 462mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 407IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 1mg

*Nutritional information is not guaranteed to be accurate.

course of this recipeCourse: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta

cuisine typeCuisine All Cuisines, American

keywords used in this recipeKeyword: bacon, comfort food, one-pot, pork recipes, quick

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Hi! I’m Heather

I’m Heather, a recipe developer and content creator based in Vancouver, Washington. I started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006 because I believed weeknight dinners shouldn’t be boring and gourmet shouldn’t mean complicated. I’m also the co-founder of Spiceology, so safe to say I think about food for a living. Stick around for recipes that actually make it into your regular rotation.

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