Best 6 Potluck Bacon Mac Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our versatile Potluck Bacon Mac and Cheese, a harmonious blend of classic comfort and modern flair. This delectable dish promises to tantalize taste buds with its rich and creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked bacon, and a delightful blend of seasonings. Elevate your dining experience with our curated collection of recipes, each offering a unique twist on this timeless classic. Dive into our "Classic Potluck Bacon Mac and Cheese" recipe for a nostalgic and heartwarming rendition, or embark on a culinary adventure with our "Loaded Baked Potato Bacon Mac and Cheese" recipe, brimming with savory bacon, melted cheese, and crispy potato goodness. For a touch of sophistication, try our "Lobster and Bacon Mac and Cheese" recipe, where succulent lobster and smoky bacon unite in a symphony of flavors. Those seeking a lighter option will delight in our "Skinny Bacon Mac and Cheese" recipe, a guilt-free indulgence that doesn't compromise on taste. Prepare to be captivated by the cheesy goodness of our "Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites" recipe, perfect for parties and gatherings. Let your taste buds rejoice as you explore the diverse flavors of our Potluck Bacon Mac and Cheese recipes, a culinary odyssey that promises satisfaction with every bite.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE WITH BACON



Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon image

There are few dishes more comforting and indulgent than mac and cheese, and this version will become your new go-to. Mac and cheese may seem straightforward, but in an all-star mac, each component is carefully considered and intentionally chosen to build a creamy, melty pasta bake. Master each element of the dish with this winning recipe.It all starts with the noodles, and in this recipe, we use large elbow macaroni noodles. They're a bit thicker than your average elbows, so they catch more of that creamy cheese sauce (and the exposed ends crisp up beautifully when baked).At the core of any good mac and cheese is a winning blend of cheeses; this recipe calls for three different types of cheese, each one serving a distinct purpose. Extra-sharp Cheddar brings that punch of sharp cheesy flavor and coveted orange color; Parmesan makes an appearance in the breadcrumb topping, bringing a natural bite of salt and crisping up beautifully. Then, for the third cheese, have your pick of Monterey Jack, provolone, or mozzarella, all white cheeses that bring creaminess and that stretchy, cheese-pull texture we look for in any high-quality mac.At the base of the cheese sauce is a roux-a mixture of butter and flour-and we incorporate mustard powder to bring salty, earthy tang. Then, to kick this mac and cheese up a notch, we add crumbled bacon to the breadcrumb crust and mixed directly into the pasta bake.From Skillet Cauliflower Mac to Macaroni Pie, there are countless ways to reinvent this comforting dish. But before you get really creative, it's important to master the basics. This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon is an excellent, extra-indulgent recipe to keep in your rotation-it's sure to please a family or a crowd.

Provided by Nancie McDermott

Categories     Macaroni

Time 1h10m

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound uncooked large elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated (about 1/2 cup)
6 thick-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3 cups whole milk
1 cup whole buttermilk
1/3 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing dish
12 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3 cups)
4 ounces Monterey Jack, provolone, or mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
2 large eggs, well beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. 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. 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. Cover to keep warm.
  • Generously butter a 13- x 9-inch baking dish, and set aside. Toss together breadcrumbs; Parmesan cheese; and half of the cooked, crumbled bacon in a bowl, and set aside. Stir together flour, pepper, mustard, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl. Heat milk and buttermilk in a medium saucepan over medium, undisturbed, until barely steaming but not boiling, 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high. Add flour mixture. Cook, whisking often, until mixture is smooth and thick and has a delicate golden color and toasted aroma, about 2 minutes. 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.
  • Stir shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into milk mixture, and remove from heat. Stir in beaten eggs until mixture forms a smooth sauce.
  • 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.
  • Transfer pasta mixture to prepared baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with breadcrumb mixture. Bake in preheated oven until firm, puffed up, and lightly browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve hot or warm.

MAC 'N CHEESE WITH BACON AND CHEESE



Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups milk
2 or 3 sprigs thyme
4 cloves garlic, smashed and divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 1/2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, smashed
Leaves from 1/4 bunch fresh thyme

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Drain.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a small saucepan heat the milk with the thyme sprigs and 2 garlic cloves. Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to keep lumps from forming. Strain the solids out of the milk and whisk it into the butter and flour mixture. Continue to whisk vigorously, and cook until the mixture is nice and smooth. Stir in the 4 cups of the cheese and continue to cook and stir to melt the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and the parsley and fold that all in to coat the macaroni with the cheese mixture. Scrape into a 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
  • While that bakes, heat a saute pan. Add the bacon, render the fat and cook until crispy. Add onion, garlic and thyme leaves and cook for about 5 minutes to soften the onion. Season with salt and pepper.
  • To serve, scatter the bacon mixture over the mac and cheese. Use a big spoon to scoop out servings, making sure you get some of the smoking bacon mixture on each spoonful.

POTLUCK MACARONI AND CHEESE



Potluck Macaroni and Cheese image

You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. -Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 2h25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta, cubed
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1-3/4 cups whole milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain. Transfer to a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients., Cook, covered, on low 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°, stirring once.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 388 calories, Fat 28g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 122mg cholesterol, Sodium 652mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 17g protein.

CHEDDAR-BACON MAC AND CHEESE



Cheddar-Bacon Mac and Cheese image

Creamy, cheesy, and quick . . . it's everything you need.

Provided by Kraft

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 ¾ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
3 slices OSCAR MAYER Center Cut Bacon, cooked, crumbled

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook macaroni as directed on package. Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Stir in flour; cook 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook on medium heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring constantly. Simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese; cook and stir 5 min. or until melted.
  • Drain macaroni. Add to sauce with bacon; mix lightly. Spoon into 1 1/2 quart casserole; top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.1 calories, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 59.9 mg, Fat 21.8 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 16.5 g, SaturatedFat 13.5 g, Sodium 411.3 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

POTLUCK MACARONI AND CHEESE



Potluck Macaroni and Cheese image

This recipe I have been making for years since the beginning of my marriage. A good recipe for all mac and cheese lovers. Very creamy.

Provided by Chef sandi 29

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb elbow macaroni
1/4 cup white onion (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Smart Balance butter spread
1/4 teaspoon seasoned sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups 2% low-fat milk
12 ounces Velveeta reduced fat cheese product (cubed)
1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350. Boil macaroni as desired on box.
  • Heat margaine in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat.
  • Cook onions in margarine for about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until mixture bubbles.
  • Stir in milk. Heat to boiling stirring constantly.
  • Remove pan from heat and add Velveeta cubes.Stir cheese until melted.
  • Put macaroni in an ungreased casserole dish and pour cheese mixture into dish. Stir until macaroni is completely coated.
  • Stir in shredded cheddar.
  • Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 379.7, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 26.2, Sodium 738.7, Carbohydrate 52.4, Fiber 2, Sugar 7.9, Protein 18.8

KRAFT SPINACH MAC & CHEESE WITH BACON



KRAFT Spinach Mac & Cheese with Bacon image

Make mac and cheese even better with KRAFT Spinach Mac & Cheese with Bacon! You and the kids will love this delicious mac and cheese with bacon dish.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings, 1-1/4 cups each

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
2 cups packed baby spinach leaves
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
4 slices cooked OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crumbled

Steps:

  • Prepare Dinner as directed on package.
  • Stir in spinach and pepper; cook and stir 2 min. or just until spinach is wilted.
  • Stir in bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 1120 mg, Carbohydrate 43 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, Protein 15 g

Tips:

  • Cook macaroni al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian and refers to the ideal texture of cooked pasta. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
  • Use a good quality cheese. The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like mozzarella or Fontina for a more subtle flavor.
  • Don't overcook the sauce. The sauce should be thick and creamy, but not too thick. Overcooked sauce will be rubbery and tough.
  • Add-ins are optional. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the mac and cheese, such as cooked bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or steamed vegetables.
  • Serve immediately. Mac and cheese is best served hot and fresh out of the oven.

Conclusion:

Potluck Bacon Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Whether you are serving it at a potluck, a family gathering, or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.

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