Okay, so listen up! If you’re looking for just any old mac and cheese, you’re in the wrong place. This isn’t your grandma’s plain Jane side dish (though bless her heart!). This, my friends, is the **Ultimate Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole**. It’s the kind of dish that makes grown adults weak in the knees and kids ask for seconds before they’ve even finished their first bite. Seriously, it’s THAT good.

For me, this recipe is pure comfort in a dish. It reminds me of those chilly nights when you just need something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. We’re talking tender macaroni swimming in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, absolutely loaded – and I mean LOADED – with crispy, salty bacon. Every single bite is a little piece of heaven. We’re using not one, but *two* kinds of cheese here for maximum gooeyness, and trust me, that touch of bacon grease in the sauce? Game changer. Get ready to make a casserole that’s going to disappear faster than you can say “more please!”

Why You’ll Crave This Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

So, why is *this* Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole the one you’ll keep coming back to? Oh, let me tell you! It hits all the right spots, every single time. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!

First off, that **rich, creamy texture** is just unreal. We’re talking velvety smooth cheese sauce coating every single noodle. No dry bits here, ever!
Then there’s the **crispy bacon pieces** scattered throughout. You get that salty, smoky crunch in almost every bite, and it just takes the whole thing to another level. It’s *double* bacon for a reason!
And honestly? It’s surprisingly **easy to throw together**. You don’t need a culinary degree to make this magic happen. Just a few simple steps and you’re on your way to cheesy, bacony bliss.
Ultimately, this is the definition of **perfect comfort food**. It’s warm, it’s hearty, and it just feels like a big, cheesy hug from the inside out. It’s the dish you want after a long day, or when you’re just feeling cozy.

Trust me, once you try a spoonful (or ten!) of this Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole, you’ll understand the obsession.

Essential Ingredients for Your Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make this Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole dream a reality. It’s not complicated, but getting the right stuff is key!

You’ll definitely need **one pound of elbow macaroni**. I love elbows for mac and cheese; they just hold that creamy sauce so perfectly. Then, for the star of the show (besides the cheese, of course!), grab **half a pound of bacon**. Make sure you chop it up nice and small so you get little bits of crispy goodness in every forkful.

For the glorious cheese sauce, you’ll start with **1/4 cup of butter** and **1/4 cup of all-purpose flour** to make our base. Then comes **3 cups of milk** – whole milk works best for richness, but use what you have! And the cheese? Oh, the cheese! We’re going for a fantastic mix: **4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese** (sharp or mild, your call!) and **1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese**. That Monterey Jack adds a lovely meltiness. Don’t forget your seasonings: **1/2 teaspoon of salt** and **1/4 teaspoon of black pepper**. Finally, for that perfect crunchy topping, you’ll want **1/4 cup of breadcrumbs**.

See? Simple, classic ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Gather these up, and let’s get cooking!

Your Guide to Crafting the Perfect Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

Okay, now for the fun part – making this glorious Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole happen! Don’t be intimidated; it’s actually pretty straightforward. We’ll break it down step-by-step so you can follow along easily. Just picture that bubbly, cheesy goodness coming out of your oven!

We’re going to start with our two main components: the pasta and the bacon. Getting these ready first makes everything else a breeze. Then, we’ll build that unbelievably creamy cheese sauce. Finally, we’ll bring it all together, give it a little crunchy topping, and pop it in the oven to work its magic. Ready? Let’s go!

Preparing the Pasta and Bacon

First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (that’s 190°C). While it’s warming up, cook your **elbow macaroni** according to the package directions. Just make sure not to overcook it – we want it just shy of al dente since it’ll bake more. Drain it well and set it aside.

Now, for the bacon! Grab your large skillet and cook your **chopped bacon** over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This is where the magic starts! Pull the crispy bacon out and let it drain on some paper towels. But **don’t clean that skillet!** Leave about two tablespoons of that delicious bacon grease right in there. Trust me on this.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce for your Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

Okay, time to make the heart of this Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole – the cheese sauce! Add your **butter** to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and melt it over medium heat. Whisk in the **flour** and cook for just about a minute, stirring constantly. This is making a roux, which thickens our sauce.

Gradually whisk in the **milk** until everything is smooth. Keep cooking and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens up nicely – it should take around 5-7 minutes. You’ll feel it get thicker as you stir. Take the pan off the heat and stir in both the **cheddar** and **Monterey Jack cheeses**. Keep stirring until they’re completely melted and the sauce is super smooth and luscious. Finish by stirring in your **salt** and **pepper**.

Assembling and Baking the Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

Now, let’s bring it all together! Add your cooked **macaroni** and that glorious **crispy bacon** right into the cheese sauce in your skillet. Stir gently until everything is coated in cheesy goodness. Make sure every single noodle is invited to this party!

Pour this beautiful mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle those **breadcrumbs** right over the top for that perfect golden crust. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly around the edges and the top is a lovely golden brown. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before you dive in – it’ll be hot!

Tips for an Unforgettable Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

So you’ve got the basics down for this Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole, but a few little tricks can take it from great to absolutely legendary. These are the things I’ve learned along the way that make a real difference!

First off, **cheese selection matters!** While cheddar and Monterey Jack are my go-to’s, feel free to experiment. A little Gruyère or smoked Gouda can add amazing depth. Just make sure you’re using good quality cheese that you shred yourself – pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth. And speaking of smooth sauce, **don’t rush the roux** (that butter and flour step) and **whisk constantly** when adding the milk. This prevents lumps and that dreaded grainy texture.

For **extra crispy bacon**, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re cooking it. Cook it in batches if you need to, so it gets truly crisp, not just chewy. And when you’re baking, if you notice one side browning faster, **give your casserole a little turn** halfway through for even baking. These small things really make a big impact on your Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole!

Frequently Asked Questions About Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

I get asked a few things pretty often about this Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole, so I thought I’d answer them here! Happy to help you make the best batch possible.

Can I make this Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the whole casserole (without the breadcrumbs on top) and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the breadcrumbs and bake as directed, but you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold. This is a great **make ahead mac and cheese** option for parties or busy weeknights!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? My favorite way to reheat Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole is in the oven. Cover individual portions or the whole dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the oven helps keep that lovely texture better. So, if you’re wondering about **reheating mac and cheese**, the oven is your friend!

Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, you totally can! While elbow macaroni is classic and holds the sauce beautifully, other short pasta shapes like cavatappi, shells, or even rotini work well. Just make sure to cook them according to package directions and drain well.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

Just so you have an idea of what’s in a serving of this glorious Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole, here are some estimated nutritional values. Keep in mind, these are just estimates! They can change depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use – like the type of cheese, milk fat content, or even how lean your bacon is. But this gives you a ballpark idea of the goodness you’re getting!

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: approx 650
Fat: approx 40g (with about 20g saturated fat)
Carbohydrates: approx 45g
Protein: approx 30g

Like I said, just estimates, folks! The most important thing is that it’s absolutely delicious and worth every single bite.

Ultimate Double Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole Love

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and indulgent casserole featuring macaroni and cheese with a generous amount of bacon.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 pound bacon, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Add butter to the skillet with bacon grease and melt over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
Stir in salt and pepper. Add cooked macaroni and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute other types of cheese for cheddar and Monterey Jack.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
You can use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 650
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, bacon, casserole, comfort food