Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon – cheesy macaroni baked in creamy, spicy queso sauce with bacon. Cheese lovers – this one is for you!
Irresistible Queso Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that combines two of the most beloved comfort foods: creamy macaroni and cheese and zesty queso, all topped with crispy, savory bacon. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture, designed to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a cozy family dinner, or simply craving something rich and satisfying, this Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon is an instant winner that cheese lovers will adore.
Here in our kitchen, we are unapologetically huge fans of cheese. If you’ve explored our recipes before, you know that gooey, melty cheese always makes us swoon! Combining the classic comfort of macaroni with a spicy, creamy queso sauce and the irresistible crunch of bacon takes this dish to a whole new level. It’s the perfect harmony of smoky, spicy, and cheesy notes that will leave everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is a delightful alternative to our popular Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese and our incredibly convenient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, both of which are family favorites.
Why This Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon is a Must-Try
What makes this particular mac and cheese stand out? It’s the unique blend of flavors and textures that create an unforgettable culinary experience. The rich, velvety queso sauce delivers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, coating every piece of tender macaroni. The addition of crispy bacon bits throughout the dish provides a delightful salty crunch that complements the smooth cheese sauce beautifully. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hearty main course that truly satisfies. Its vibrant Southwestern-inspired profile makes it much more exciting than a traditional mac and cheese, offering an adventurous twist on a beloved classic. Plus, who can ever resist the allure of queso and bacon together?
The Magic of Wisconsin Cheese
For this extraordinary recipe, we’ve partnered with the Wisconsin Cheese Marketing Board, celebrating their commitment to producing some of the finest cheeses in the world. When it comes to macaroni and cheese, the quality of your cheese is paramount, and Wisconsin cheeses are renowned for their exceptional flavor and melting capabilities. For this recipe, we specifically chose a combination of Wisconsin Colby Jack and Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar cheese. This duo is a match made in culinary heaven.
Wisconsin Colby Jack offers a mild, buttery flavor and a semi-firm texture that melts into a smooth, creamy consistency, providing the perfect base for our queso sauce. Its subtle flavor allows the other Southwestern spices to shine without being overpowering. Complementing this, Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar brings a robust, tangy punch that elevates the overall cheese profile, adding depth and a wonderfully rich, savory note. The combination of these two high-quality cheeses creates an unparalleled creamy texture and complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy, aromatic notes of the queso. Topped with even more of that glorious cheddar, this dish isn’t just good – it’s knock-your-socks-off delicious!
Key Ingredients for Queso Mac and Cheese Perfection
Crafting the perfect Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays:
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for its ability to hold the sauce in its nooks and crannies. Cook it al dente as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Whole Milk: The foundation of our creamy sauce. Whole milk provides richness that skim or low-fat milk simply can’t replicate.
- Cornstarch: Our secret weapon for a perfectly thick and smooth queso sauce. Whisking it with cold milk before heating prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.
- Spices: Paprika, Ground Cumin, Chili Pepper, Salt, and Black Pepper: These spices are essential for building the Southwestern flavor profile of the queso. Paprika adds a sweet, peppery warmth, cumin brings an earthy depth, and chili powder provides that characteristic mild heat.
- Bacon: Crispy, chopped bacon is not just a topping; it’s an integral flavor component. Cooking the bacon first allows us to render its fat, which is then used to sauté the aromatics, infusing the entire dish with a smoky, savory essence.
- Sweet Onion & Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of our queso. Sautéing them in bacon fat releases their sweet and pungent notes, adding complexity to the sauce.
- Diced Green Chiles: A quintessential Southwestern ingredient, drained diced green chiles provide a mild, smoky heat and a subtle tang that rounds out the queso’s flavor.
- Colby Jack and Sharp Cheddar Cheese: As discussed, this blend from Wisconsin is crucial for achieving both creaminess and a sharp, satisfying cheese flavor.
Step-by-Step Perfection: Crafting Your Queso Mac and Cheese
Follow these detailed steps to create your own irresistible Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon:
- Prepare Your Dish: Begin by greasing a 2-quart casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes for easy serving. Set it aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the dish bakes evenly and the cheese topping gets perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it’s al dente. It’s important not to overcook it at this stage, as it will bake further in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and keep it warm.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk, cornstarch, paprika, ground cumin, chili pepper, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. Using cold milk helps the cornstarch dissolve without clumping. Set this seasoned milk aside.
- Cook Bacon and Aromatics: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s almost crispy. Drain off most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the chopped sweet onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and softened. This step builds a foundational layer of savory flavor.
- Thicken the Queso Base: Pour the whisked milk mixture into the saucepan with the sautéed vegetables and bacon. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken to a sauce-like consistency. The cornstarch will activate as it heats, creating a smooth, rich base.
- Melt the Cheese and Add Chiles: Remove the saucepan from the heat or reduce the heat to very low. Add both the shredded Colby Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir vigorously for a few minutes until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into a smooth, luscious queso sauce. Then, stir in the drained diced green chiles.
- Combine Macaroni: Add the cooked and warm macaroni to the queso sauce. Gently stir until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the cheesy, spicy goodness.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Generously top with the additional sharp cheddar cheese. This will create a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For an extra golden-brown and slightly crispy topping, you can carefully place the dish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning!
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, resulting in a perfectly creamy consistency.
- Enjoy! Serve warm and prepare for rave reviews.
Tips for the Best Queso Mac and Cheese
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly grated cheese melts much smoother.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Always cook your macaroni to al dente as it will continue to cook in the hot queso sauce and oven.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you like more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the milk mixture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing milk and cheese to come to room temperature can help ensure a smoother, lump-free sauce.
- Serve Warm: While leftovers are delicious, this dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is at its absolute creamiest.
Variations and Customizations
This Queso Mac and Cheese is a fantastic base for creativity. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add More Protein: Stir in shredded chicken, ground beef, pulled pork, or even spicy chorizo for a heartier meal.
- Include More Veggies: Roasted red bell peppers, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, or finely diced jalapeños can add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with Pepper Jack for extra spice, Monterey Jack for milder creaminess, or a touch of smoked gouda for depth.
- Toppings Galore: Beyond cheddar, consider crushed tortilla chips for crunch, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or extra diced green onions before serving.
- Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for an even deeper, smoky flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon can be served in many ways:
- Main Dish: It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a satisfying dinner.
- Side Dish: A perfect accompaniment to BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches.
- Potlucks and Parties: Always a hit at gatherings, especially game day parties or casual get-togethers.
- Holiday Feasts: A decadent addition to any holiday table, providing a comforting and rich option.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess if needed.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power, stirring every minute until heated through.
This Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It brings together comforting flavors and satisfying textures in a way that truly delights. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this incredible dish as much as we do!
More Cheesy Recipes to Explore:
If you can’t get enough of cheesy delights, check out some of our other fantastic recipes:
- Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Cheesy Spinach Dip Pasta
- Homemade Queso Dip
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀
Queso Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni uncooked
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- ½ medium sweet onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 can 4.5oz diced green chiles, drained
- 1.5 c Colby jack cheese shredded
- 1 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Grease 2 qt casserole dish. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cook macaroni according to directions on package. Drain and keep warm.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, cornstarch, cumin, paprika, chili pepper, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook bacon until almost crispy. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until translucent.
- Add milk mixture to sauteed veggies and bacon. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
- Add both cheeses, stir few times. Add diced green chiles. Stir until cheese is completely melted.
- Add cooked macaroni. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the macaroni into prepared casserole dish. Top with additional cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted.
- You can place the dish under a broiler for 2 minutes to toast up the topping.
- Remove dish from oven and cool for 15 minutes.
- Serve.
Nutrition
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Wisconsin Cheese. All text, opinions, and photos are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting brands that make this blog happen.