Basil Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Name: Basil Bacon Macaroni & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Topping:; 1/4 stick butter; 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/4 cup sharp white Vermont cheddar; 1/3 cup parmigiano/mozzerella (or any soft Italian cheese and parm); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Basil; 1/4 teaspoon Parsley; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; Medium ground fresh pepper to taste; Macaroni:; 3.5 cups macaroni, boiled till al dente (about 8 or 9 minutes); 1/2 teaspoon salt; (save 1/4 cup of pasta water); Sauce:; 1/2 stick butter; 4 tablespoons flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup lite cream; 1/4 cup pasta water; 1/3 cup fontina (or gruyere); 1/3 cup aged white cheddar; 1/3 cup parmigiano/mozzerella (or any soft Italian cheese and parm); Crispy bacon chunks to taste; 1/4 teaspoon salt or more to taste (less if there is bacon); Medium ground fresh pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon minced basil

Servings: persons

Topping:
1/4 stick butter
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup sharp white Vermont cheddar
1/3 cup parmigiano/mozzerella (or any soft Italian cheese and parm)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Basil
1/4 teaspoon Parsley
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Medium ground fresh pepper to taste
Macaroni:
3.5 cups macaroni, boiled till al dente (about 8 or 9 minutes)
1/2 teaspoon salt
(save 1/4 cup of pasta water)
Sauce:
1/2 stick butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup lite cream
1/4 cup pasta water
1/3 cup fontina (or gruyere)
1/3 cup aged white cheddar
1/3 cup parmigiano/mozzerella (or any soft Italian cheese and parm)
Crispy bacon chunks to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt or more to taste (less if there is bacon)
Medium ground fresh pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon minced basil

1
Topping:
2
Melt butter and stir together in a bowl with panko, basil, parsley salt and pepper, set to side.
3
Sauce:
4
Melt butter and stir in flour. Cook roux, stirring 3-4 minutes and stir in milk and cream. Bring sauce to boil, whisking constantly, then simmer whisking occasionally 3-4 more minutes. Stir in cheese, salt, pepper, basil, wisk until smooth.
5
Macaroni
6
Boil macaroni in 6 cups of water for 8 or 9 minutes (until al dente.) Reserve one cup pasta water.
7
Stir together macaroni, pasta water, bacon, and sauce, put in the square 8-inch pyrex pan, cover liberally with topping and bake for 20 to 35 minutes at 400 until bubbling and starting to brown on top. Take it out and put in the broiler until it gets golden brown on top (1 to 2 or so depending on your broiler.) Let cool.

2342

kcal

Calories

241

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 28 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Topping:, 1/4 stick butter, 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup sharp white Vermont cheddar, and more.

Yes, Basil Bacon Macaroni & Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Basil Bacon Macaroni & Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions