Mac and Cheese with Bacon

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 You’ll Need

• 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

5 from 1 vote

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.

prep timePREP 10 minutes mins

COOK 20 minutes mins

TOTAL 30 minutes mins

number of servingsYIELD 8 Servings

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark while you cook

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Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 4 cups chicken stock, or broth
• ▢ 2 cups milk
• ▢ 1 lb shaped pasta
• ▢ 6 tbsp water
• ▢ 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ▢ ½ medium 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
• ▢ salt, to taste

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Instructions

 

• 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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* Nutritional information is not guaranteed to be accurate.

author nameAuthor Heather Scholten

courseCourse Main Course, Pasta

cuisine typeCuisine All Cuisines, American

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Recipe By:

Heather Scholten

Co-Founder at Spiceology | More About Heather…

Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.

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