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One-of-a-kind melty Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon--- Experience the velvety blend of mozzarella + cream cheese entwined with the rich, crispy candied bacon, all nestled in delicious shell pasta. It's a dish that steals the show as a comforting main course or shines brightly as a standout side dish on any table especially during the holiday season! Gluten-free + Vegan Option.
When it comes to cozy, indulgent eats, mac + cheese takes the cake. And when you toss in candied bacon--- GAME OVER. Creamy, cheesy, and just all-around cozy goodness. Y'all know I'm a Southern girl at heart, and mac n cheese holds a special place in my heart hence the abundance of mac + cheese recipes on my site. This Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon recipe may just be the winner as my new family favorite.
This recipe? It’s a winner whether you serve it as a side dish or the main event. It’s that kind of soulful, feel-good food that brings everyone together. Super easy, takes just 45 minutes, and oozes Southern charm with its cheesy, gooey inside and that irresistible crispy outside. Guaranteed to be a hit with any crowd! Plus there is a gluten-free + vegan option so everyone can enjoy!
If you're on the hunt for everything mac and cheese, I've got you covered! From the Easy Vegan Pumpkin Mac + Cheese and Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese to the Easy KFC Mac + Cheese Bowl [Copycat] and, of course, my newest addition Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese definitely give them a try next!
Preparing mac and cheese involves 4 essential steps--- Make your candied bacon if you're using it, boil the pasta until it's 'al dente---then make the creamy cheese sauce; next, craft a crispy breadcrumb topping and bake to golden perfection.
Here is everything you need to make this Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon:
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon. Everything from my fave dutch pot/oven, wooden spoons, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Candied bacon is bacon that's been sweetened to perfection. Picture crispy, smoky bacon strips coated in a mouthwatering layer of caramelized brown sugar + maple syrup. It's that perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a delightful crunch. Candied bacon is the ultimate treat for bacon lovers and those looking to add a delicious twist to their meals. Some refer to it as million-dollar bacon---it's playfully named because it's so scrumptious, it's like a flavor sensation that hits the jackpot!
If you'd like to add protein to this Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon dish, it's easy to do, regardless of your diet!
If you're a seafood lover, feel free to swap out the chicken for these delightful options!
Even though this Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon is based on using mozzarella + cream cheese you can also switch things up and add a new flare to it's flavor profile by adding any of the following grated cheeses:
When it comes to elevating the taste and flavor of mac + cheese, it's all about the seasoning. I love adding herbs + seasonings for added flavor and it usually consists of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. Just by adding these handful of seasonings, you're guaranteed to be satisfied.
I like to add some extra texture to creamy dishes like this Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon recipe. While the ingredients in this creamy dish are perfect as is, I wanted to share a few more ideas of ingredients that you can add in case you make this gnocchi recipe more than once and want to switch things up!
Other ingredient ideas include:
You can use any type of pasta that you like in this Baked White Mac + Cheese recipe. That is what makes this recipe so adaptable!
I love using shells because it does a beautiful job of embracing and holding onto the cheesy sauce. But any of these pasta varieties would work for this dish -
I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that longer varieties of pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. You can also use gluten-free pasta, whole-wheat pasta, or even zoodles for a low-carb option!
When it comes to most pasta dishes (including this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese dish), I often enjoy them with a side of bread of some sort. Most times, I make my own homemade Garlic Bread, however, you can choose to spruce things up with many other options such as:
Here's the thing. This Baked White Mac + Cheese recipe is so delicious and flavorful that you can honestly enjoy it all by itself. Seriously, the tender shells + cheesy creamy sauce with the crispy golden topping is everything! So, feel free to dig in and savor every single bite. It's a dish that stands tall on its own!
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated when ready to serve. To re-heat, add each serving to the oven, microwave, or stovetop until warmed through.
Yes! If you don’t want to use all-purpose flour, feel free to substitute with regular starch or arrowroot starch, tapioca flour, which all act as a thickening agent.
To ensure that this recipe is GF, be sure to use GF-friendly pasta, breadcrumbs, and flour.
Absolutely! To make this Mac + Cheese vegan, simply substitute cheeses with dairy-free shreds and use vegan butter and omit bacon. Also, check out my Vegan Mac + Cheese recipe.
If you are a fan of this Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon, then you will also love these cozy recipes for the entire family:
If you tried this Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
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