Macaroni & Cheese needs no introduction to anyone. It’s incredibly simple, comforting and can be fancied up or eaten in it’s most basic form to great appreciation. I bought some delicious looking macaroni from the Easter Show by Pasta Italia and thought that now was as good as time as ever to make some for my macaroni cheese loving husband especially since I’d be in the middle of my Lean Cuisine challenge and would be less tempted to sneak bits off this terrifically creamy but full blown fatteningly good dish if I already had a portion and calorie controlled pasta dish of my own.
Bacon can improve anything, and I mean anything. Having a bad day? Eat some bacon. I even think that you could make a very good bacon macaron and I’m just waiting for Adriano Zumbo or Pierre Herme to make one (after all there was the foie gras macaron). If either are out there, call me for any taste testing needs.
There is a a method to my madness in specifying such a large baking tray. You see I love the crunch on top of the cheesey breadcrumbs which contrasts with the creamy soft bottom layer. The larger baking tray allows for a shallower but wider distribution of the pasta and therefore breadcrumbs. Of course if you just like a little of the crunch put it in a deeper dish and use less breadcrumbs but if you were to ever to eat this at Chez Elliott, you’d find this version.
As for my dinner I had Vegetable Cannelloni Lean Cuisine. I adore spinach and cheese cannelloni so I was interested in this flavour. It can be truly awful stuff as I’ve experienced on one airline meal (airline shall remain nameless). I have to be honest, it looked pretty flat though when I took it out of the box. It also required 11 minutes cooking time which is longer than the others. I served it with some baby spinach leaves and corn and I was actually surprised that despite it’s rather flat looking appearance, it wasn’t too bad although I have to admit looks wise, it wasn’t stunningly appealing 
. But of course I did sneak bits of my husband’s macaroni and cheese.
Macaroni & Cheese with bacon
An original recipe by Not Quite Nigella
- 400 fresh macaroni (or dried, just adjust cooking times)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 rashers middle bacon, sliced into bite sized pieces
- 1/2 white or brown onion, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups cream (you could also do this with evaporated milk although of course it won’t be as creamy, if you do, use 2 1/4 cups evaporated milk and omit the milk below)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cups grated tasty cheese
- 3/4 cups gruyere cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese extra
- 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into cubes
1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F or preheat grill. Cook macaroni according to directions in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente – ensure that it does not get too soft. Drain and set aside.
2. Grease a large (about 30x25cms) baking dish. In the saucepan heat the oil and fry the onion and bacon until onion is soft and translucent and bacon is cooked-about 5 minutes. Then add the cream, milk and nutmeg and wait until it comes to a boil, turn it down to a simmer and add the cheeses and macaroni.
3. Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and extra cheese. Dot with butter and then bake for 5-10 minutes or place under hot grill under crumbs are crunchy and cheese and butter has melted. Serve and swoon.
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65 Comments | Add your own
Macaroni and cheese a classic recipe but more festive with the tinge of bacon…delicious always!
Why I must go to eat after seeing your mouth-watering photos?
All the best Lorraine
Gera
I love the idea of adding bacon to mac and cheese. You’ve managed to make the lean cuisine look so appealing.
I WANT that mac and cheese! I’m amazed that you can even make a lean cuisine look so pretty.
Both dishes look incredibly scrumptious! I’m a sucker for homemade Mac & Cheese and yours makes me drool…
Cheers,
Rosa
Bacon makes all things good. It is a fact that has surely been documented somewhere!
Mmm mac & cheese is such a guilty pleasure isn’t it? I agree, bacon improves almost anything…although I’m still undecided about the bacon ice-cream on thisiswhyyourefat.com. I’m impressed at how much you improved the look of the cannelloni, I’ve seen what it looks like straight out of the microwave-it is not pretty!
Bacon does make (almost) everything better and I love bacon in macaroni and cheese too!
Oo, that sounds really tasty. I’ve never added nutmeg to cheese sauce before, but I’ll have to try it.
nutmeg is the ultimate cheese enhancer! I haven’t made mac and cheese for year and years, will have to try this one out with the shiitake bacon you featured not long ago
Lorraine,
This looks absolutely divine! I think I might have to make this for dinner tonight.
That looks really good. I got a sample pack of mac and cheese (Kraft) from the Show. It was ok, though nowhere as good as yours! And Zumbo has the blue cheese macaron, so bacon can’t be far behind!
Very nice twist on a classic! The addition of gruyere cheese and nutmeg is interesting.
i’m an avid “more cheesy crunchy topping please” person so love the idea of spreading it out thinner and in a larger pan. (oh wouldya just look at that cheese? it’s so stringy and gooey and delicious…)
Bacon, cream, cheese, and butter on top — Lorraine, you’re a goddess. I’m not worthy.
Seriously, though, this looks very delicious. And I agree — the contrast of the cruncy top and the gooey interior is what makes mac&cheese the ultimate comfort food.
Would you believe i’ve never tried macaroni and cheese before? I’m an alien i know! I’ll have to give this a go
Once again how can you go wrong with bacon anything?
Mac and cheese is one of my favorite dishes to make when I find that I overbought on cheese or have some that needs to get used up. There is just something so comforting and nostalgic about a nice dish of creamy cheese with noodles.
The macaroni you got I have never seen before but that just means I have to look harder.
Nicely done as usual!
Ohhhh, be still my heart… Macaroni and Cheese plus bacon? The best, absolutely the best…
there is nothing as wonderful or more sinful than mac and cheese! and you do it just the way I like it with a nice crispy top…I just love when the cheese on top browns just a tiny bit…ohh it sends shivers up my spine! hehe…
That mac and cheese looks so fantastic. My mouth is seriously watering right now!
This is the first time i’ve posted here (long time lurker) but looking at your mac and cheese has made me melt. And I agree, bacon can make anything taste better, can’t wait to try this recipe!
Mac & cheese is always a favorite and excellent with bacon!
Wow…Macaroni and Cheese especially with fresh pasta .. looks great !
thank god I’ve already eaten my lunch or else I would be ravenous after looking at the crusty cheesy heaven!! And I love reading about the lean cuisine at the end, its like here is what you WANT to eat and here is what you SHOULD eat. lol
When I was a kid, every school holidays I’d stock up on Sarah Lee mac and cheese from Woolies and munch on that day after day. Your post brought back such good memories.
My 5 year old daughter has always loved up market macaroni and cheese – the creamier the better. Pity it is sooo bad for us!!
How perfect would a bowl of your mac + cheese be right now as I’m staring out at the gloomy day outside! And you nailed it…bacon really does make the world a better place
ommmmggggggg I wanttt mac and cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssseee XD! Sorry but that LC looks quite pitiful when compared to your mac and cheese haha & baconnn ftw! It makes the world (and all the ppl on it) go round ^^!
Oh my gooooooddddd the temptation! Cheeeeese
great minds think alike! guess what? I’m making mac and cheese also for tomorrow’s big dinner event, and I chose to use a large pan, too!
My mom works at pizza hut, and sometimes she brings home their awful rendition of mac & cheese w/ bacon. This looks fantastic. And I even have noodles just like that (not fresh tho) in my cabinet! Hmmm…..
this looks super yum.
i like bacon and onion in my macaroni cheese and i like to use penne pasta.
i also put a layer of thinly sliced tomato on the top before i put it in the oven – on top of the cheese and crumbs. gives it a nice crispy tangy thing.
You are so right. Bacon makes everything better. Everything!
I make my mac n’ cheese with bacon for the kids. The Baby loves meat. The Kid loves pasta. It’s a win win.
Hi Gera-I feel the same way when reading your blog and others!
Thankyou so much!
Hi Barbara-I’d probably add bacon to everything if I could
Thanks! 
Hi Sara-It’s so simple to whip up the mac and cheese
Thanks! 
Hi Rosa -Thankyou so much!
Hi The Duo Dishes-Here here! I’m sure there are scientific studies!
Hi Steph-It is indeed
Ahhh hmm I wonder what it would taste like? I’m almost tempted to make some to try it
out? Or is that indicating a descent into madness? Thankyou!
Hi Anita-Yes I don’t know how I could eat it without it!
Hi Arwen -Oh nutmeg is fabulous for creamy sauces like carbonaras etc!
Hi Tiffany-Yes it is I agree! Hehe yes, that might be the trick to making it a bit healthier
Hi Darcie-Wonderful! I’d love to know what you think of it if you do!
Hi Belle-Thankyou! I’ve only tried it in a packet once and it was a bit grainy which I didn’t like so much but
that was so many years ago so perhaps they’ve improved (one would hope!). Ah yes a bacon one is surely near?
Hi Howard-Thanks! Gruyere and nutmeg really elevate it IMHO
Hi shez -Yes! It’s like the toffee top on a brulee, I love all of that crunchy goodness
Hi Leela-Hahah you are too sweet!
Yes, you just know underneath it lies a gooey layer…
Hi Jen-Oh really? Oh you must, it’s very good although truth be told it isn’t revelatory or freakishly
outlandish, it’s more comforting and good
Hi Jeff-Yep, gotta love the bacon! I agree, even if I didn’t have it as a child, the texture is just right for
cold weather
Thankyou!
Hi Astra Libris-Hehe thankyou!
Hi Alexandra-Ooh yes a little browning just to bring out the cheesey goodness is definitely necessary!
Hi maris-Thankyou so much!
Hi Clarice-Thankyou for reading!
Wonderful, I’d love to hear what you think of it if you make it! 
Hi 5 Star Foodie-It is indeed!
Hi Bean Sprout-Yup, I love fresh pasta-anything that has less cooking time the better!
Hi Maria-Hehe! Yep this is what to eat if you don’t care about calories and this is what you should if you do
Hi Cora-Aww wonderful! I love moments of food nostalgia!
Hi Ellen-They certainly have good taste!
I know, I might try and do a lower fat version occasionally but it’s hard!
Hi Karen-Aww yes it’s great gloomy day weather food indeed! Yep bacon forever!
Hi FFichiban-Haha you can make it now! It’s very easy and done before you know it if you use fresh pasta
Hi Esz-LOL yes! I admit I couldn’t resist trying a bit
Hi Sophia-Oh very cool! Yep a large pan can feed hordes of people too!
Hi howtoeatacupcake-Oh no, I bet it’s made using a packet? Wonderful! If you make it I’d love to hear what you think of it
Hi reddoorread-Thanks! Yup I like them too, bacon and onion add so much flavour. Interesting about using tomato!
Hi Christie-It does! Even the smell prevents me from going vegetarian
Hi justJENN-Sounds like a definite winwin!
Love the ingredient list — “tasty cheese” and “tasty cheese extra.” hehe
What a fabulous looking mac-cheese! The bacon really makes it better.
cheese, cheese, and more cheese–what could be better? oh, i know–add bacon! you’ve bumped a quality comfort food up even further.
Hi Jude-There’s no such thing as enough cheese!
Hi cakelaw-Thankyou! Everything’s better with bacon
Hi grace-I know! Nothing like melted cheese. Thankyou!
I’ve never thought to jazz up a frozen meal with lovely accompaniments. You actually made it look good!
How you could only have a few bites of that mac & cheese though is impossible!
Yum to macaroni and cheese. Double yum to the higher ratio of crust to filling
Creamy, cheesy baked macaroni with bacon! …mmm…bacon can only make it better!
I’ve just baked this and it is SOOOO DELICIOUS!! I am someone who can’t cook AT ALL, but i did this which turned out so GOOD! It is so easyyyy and very yummy. Never go wrong with bacon & cheese!
I love the crunchy breadcrumbs! two thumbs up!
your lean ciusine looks appetising (probably more thanks to your skill than what came out of the box – and I would love the mac and cheese sans bacon – I loved bacon til I was veg but now it seems overpowering
ooooo, wow. That macaroni looks divine. Pascal is always begging me to make him mac and cheese, I think this is what I shall make him. Heck it’s making me drool.. haha.
yum ^.^
My husband and teenager thank you.
They LOVED (no surprise) the addition of bacon to my Mac & Cheese recipe.
My son thinks that pie and bacon is good for everyone, pie and bacon make life better.
Gruyere and nutmeg, what a great combination. Gotta try something like this. Thanks for posting
Hi Lori-Hehe thanks! I think I would have gone a bit hungry without them
I had to resist, knowing how
much cream was in it was an inbuilt mechanism
Hi Y -Yum the crust is a must have! The more the merrier!
Hi Kevin-Yup bacon is the food of the gods (well ok some gods perhaps!)
Hi Melissa-Oh YAY! That’s so fantastic to hear that you liked it and it turned out well
Thanks for letting
me know!
Hi Johanna-Hehe I think sauce helps too
You could perhaps try the Shiitake mushroom bacon? But I think
it’s good both with and without bacon
Hi ArtemisIII-Hehe thanks! It’s so easy and keeps for days if you make a large tray. Hubby ate this for 3
meals while I was Lean Cuisining
Hi Jules-Oh cool! That is wonderful and thanks so much for letting me know!
Bacon does indeed make life
better!
Hi Libby -Thanks, they work so well together don’t they! You’re welcome!
Oooh bacon, I’d never thought of adding it to macaroni cheese but I can see how it would make it fabulous!
My husband’s “rules” dictate that the pasta must be elbows (usually use barilla penne rigate) and it must be topped with tomatoes on top of the crumbs.
To make the mac cheese less sinful mine is made with a basic cheese sauce (roux enriched with wholegrain mustard and cheese and with low-fat milk).
Such fabulous comfort food and yours looks particularly indulgent
mmmm … this looks good!
i am wondering how pancetta would work as a substitute for bacon …
Mmm… I think I shall make macaroni cheese for dinner tonight. I don’t have any bacon, but I reckon some pancetta will be just as delicious!
Hi Rachel-Ahh tomatoes on top-interesting! That’s a good idea to make it a bit lower in fat as it is quite calorific otherwise. Thankyou!
Hi panda-Thankyou so much!
I think pancetta would be a fabulous substitute to bacon and would taste even better!
Hi Angela-Yep I think pancetta would be just as delicious or even better!
This brings back memories of childhood-good old Macaroni & Cheese-after the war in UK it was a welcome feed and no ration books either!
Thank you-thank you-thank you.
Hi, We liked this recipe. But to satisfy my mom’s vege needs, used sun-dried tomatoes in place of bacon.. she liked it..
Ta.
OMG!!! Just made the macaroni cheese for the kids for a warm and comforting lunch. It is AMAZING! I put some brocholi in with the past while it was cooking til it was soft and mushed it all thru the sauce. They didn’t even realise it was in there. YUMMO!!! A new family favourite for us. Thanks for sharing xox
this looks great maybe ill replace the real bacon with fakon
Fabulous dish – looking forward to cooking it tonight and am hopeful that it becomes a “favourite” for my ten month old!! I have dried pasta, is it 400 grams that I need to use? Thanks!!
Just put my mac cheese in the oven…. cant wait to eat it …
totaly cool but you should put all the recipes aswell
Looks maaaaaaagnificent!
What do you do with the ‘set aside’ macaroni afterward.
I don’t know if you’ll manage to read this in the tsunami of positive reviews you’ll be getting on this recipe but I just want you to know how much me and my partner enjoyed this! It was easy, fast, and while eating I had to ask him wether he was ok (I thought he burnt his tongue) because he was shaking and making crying noises. I can tell you they were just sounds of happiness and I had to agree; This was the best Mac n Cheese I have EVER eaten/made! We had to fight over the last bit and when I come home from work the next day we made it again, only dubble the portion! It may be bad and fattening, but that’s not what comfort food is about! It just felt like a warm, cheesy hug from an old, cherished teddy bear, and no matter how gross that may sound in your head it may have been the nicest thing I ever felt.
Thank you! Thank you oh lord of cuisines! You have gained a loyal ally!
Thanks everyone that enjoyed it! I’m so glad that you liked it and Eva, what a sweet comment! I agree, comfort food is so good for that reason -that is comforts!
Have a great day!
nice
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