Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks

A rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish featuring crispy bacon, tender leeks, and a crunchy golden topping.

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Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks - main view
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JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks - secondary view

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:
Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.
Flavor Infusion:
Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
Base Preparation:
Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.
Flavor Infusion:
Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
Base Preparation:
Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.
Baking Tips
Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor—cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan add depth.
For extra smokiness, use smoked cheddar or add a dash of liquid smoke.
Make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
For a richer taste, use a mix of half-and-half instead of milk and cream.
For a crunchier topping, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks - tertiary view

Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Leeks

A rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish featuring crispy bacon, tender leeks, and a crunchy golden topping.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
12 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, penne)
02
6 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
03
1 large leek (white and light green parts, thinly sliced)
04
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
05
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06
2 1/2 cups whole milk
07
1 cup heavy cream
08
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09
1 teaspoon garlic powder
10
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
12
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
14
1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded, or substitute with Swiss cheese)
15
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
16
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
17
2 tablespoons melted butter
18
1/4 teaspoon paprika (for topping)
19
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

01
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
02
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
04
In the same skillet, add the sliced leeks and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
05
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
06
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
07
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and whisk to combine.
08
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
09
Stir in the cooked pasta, bacon, and leeks until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
10
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
11
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
12
Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
13
Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.