Homemade Mac and Cheese with a Crispy Bacon Crust

There’s something magical about mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. But what if you could take this classic dish to a whole new level? Enter homemade mac and cheese with a crispy bacon crust. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with layers of flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
●    1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
●    4 tablespoons unsalted butter
●    4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
●    4 cups whole milk
●    2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
●    1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
●    1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
●    1 teaspoon garlic powder
●    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
●    Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crispy Bacon Crust:
●    6-8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
●    1 cup panko breadcrumbs
●    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
●    ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
●    ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1.    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
1.    In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
2.    Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
3.    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
4.    Add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
1.    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.    Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
3.    Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Bacon Crust
1.    In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Mix until evenly combined.
2.    Sprinkle the bacon crust mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
1.    Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
2.    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Dish
1.    Choose the Right Cheese: Using a mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan gives the sauce depth and richness.
2.    Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.
3.    Customize the Crust: Add herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and family gatherings.

This homemade mac and cheese with a crispy bacon crust is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Creamy, cheesy pasta paired with a smoky, crunchy topping — what’s not to love? Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.