Can this dish be made ahead?

According to MenuCochon: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat when serving.

Can I use another cheese?

According to MenuCochon: Absolutely, feel free to try Gouda or Gruyère.

How to prevent the mac and cheese from being too dry?

According to MenuCochon: Add a bit more milk if necessary to keep it creamy.

FR|EN

Amuse-gueules Canada

Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Name: Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 portions
Cuisine: Québécoise
Ingredients: 300 g macaroni (cooked al dente); 200 g sharp cheddar (grated); 3 cups whole milk; 100 g bacon (chopped); 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup flour; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tsp dry mustard; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

February 8, 2026

|Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Ah, the Super Bowl! It's the perfect time to gather friends and family around comforting dishes. And what better way to win everyone over than with a creamy mac and cheese? This mac and cheese is elevated with crispy bacon and a golden gratin topping. The melting cheese and crunchy texture will give you a memorable moment. Perfect to accompany cheers and applause during the game!

Preparation

Instructions

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Bacon Preparation
In a hot pan, cook the bacon until it's crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make sure the bacon is very crispy for added flavor.
Making the Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Gradually incorporate the milk while whisking until it thickens. Add cheddar, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Assembly
Mix cooked macaroni, bacon, and cheese sauce. Pour everything into a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Add some grated cheese on top of the breadcrumbs for an extra gratin.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the dish for about 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

For optimal taste, use sharp cheddar and crispy bacon. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to keep it nice and hot.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your mac and cheese directly in the baking dish to retain all its heat. Pair it with some grilled vegetables or a green salad for balance. For spice lovers, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. It's a guaranteed hit!