A one-of-a-kind creamy, melty mac and cheese.

There are few dishes more comforting and indulgent than our bacon mac and cheese, which uses largeelbow macaroni.

Learn how to make bacon mac and cheese.

Southern LIving Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon ready to serve

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This creamy baked mac and cheese is an excellent, extra-indulgent recipe to keep in your rotation.

At the core of any good mac and cheese is a winning blend of cheeses.

Is there a signature blend of cheeses you love?

Southern Living Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon cooking pasta

Credit:Alison Miksch, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This recipe calls for three different types of cheese, each one serving a distinct purpose.

Can You Make Bacon Mac and Cheese In Advance?

Want to make this dish ahead?

Southern Living Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon preparing topping and warming milk

Credit:Alison Miksch, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Set on the counter for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Looking for a fool-proof make-ahead macaroni and cheese recipe?

Look no further than our favoritemake-ahead version.

Southern Living Baked Macaroni and Cheese making the roux

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Ingredients

1lb.uncooked large elbow macaroni

1Tbsp.plus 1 1/2 tsp.

Bring 3 quarts water to a boil over high in a large stock-pot.

Stir in pasta and 1 tablespoon of the salt, and return to a boil.

Southern Living Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon getting ready to add cheese to sauce

Credit:Alison Miksch, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but still firm, about 6 minutes.

Reserve and set aside 2 cups cooking water, and then drain the pasta.

Return pasta to pot, and remove from heat.

Southern Living Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon finishing the cheese sauce

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Cover to keep warm.

Stir together flour, pepper, mustard, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl.

Prepare cheese sauce:

Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high.

Southern Living Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon stirring together pasta, sauce, and bacon

Credit:Alison Miksch, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Slowly whisk in warm milk mixture.

Bring to a boil over high.

Cook, stirring often, until thickened to the texture of cream, about 3 minutes.

Southern Living Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon before baking

Credit:Alison Miksch, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Stir in beaten eggs until mixture forms a smooth sauce.

Stir together Macaroni and Cheese:

Uncover cooked pasta, and stir.

(If pasta sticks together, stir in reserved warm cooking water, and drain again.)

Stir cheese mixture and remaining bacon into drained pasta in stockpot.

Serve hot or warm.

This mac and cheese is cooked uncovered so the breadcrumb topping browns while the pasta cooks.