Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I remember the first time I tried combining mac and cheese with lasagna. It was at a potluck, and someone had brought this monstrous, cheesy creation that everyone was raving about. Initially, I was skeptical; mac and cheese is perfect, and lasagna is awesome, but together? Seriously? But after one bite, I was hooked! It's like a warm hug, but in food form. It's what you need on a cold day... or, let's be real, any day you need a little extra love. To make it even more irresistible, we're adding bacon because, well, everything’s better with bacon. And if you are thinking this is a difficult recipe, let me reassure you it isnt so lets begin.
This Mac and Cheese Lasagna with Bacon is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Each layer builds upon the last, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Creamy, cheesy macaroni forms the base, complemented by a rich and velvety béchamel sauce that adds depth and moisture. Crispy bacon pieces are scattered throughout, providing a smoky, salty contrast that cuts through the richness and adds a satisfying crunch. Trust me; this is gonna be tasty.
Required Equipments
Large Skillet
Large Bowl
9x13 inch Baking Dish
Aluminum Foil
Slotted Spoon
Mac and Cheese Lasagna with Bacon: Frequently Asked Questions
Mac and Cheese Lasagna with Bacon
Elevate your comfort food game with this Mac and Cheese Lasagna featuring crispy bacon. Layers of cheesy macaroni, rich béchamel, and savory bacon create an unforgettable dish that's perfect for family gatherings or a special treat.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:8 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Cook the Bacon: Dice 1 pound of bacon and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Do not burn the bacon; make sure to constantly stir it, and remove it from the heat once it is crispy and golden brown.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Cook the Macaroni: Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Make sure you don't overcook it, or else the lasagna will be to mushy.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the béchamel sauce. Add 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Be sure not to add all of the cheese at once. Keep stirring until it melts; it is easier this way.
Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the mac and cheese mixture on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked bacon over the mac and cheese layer. Add another layer of mac and cheese, followed by the remaining bacon. Top with the remaining mac and cheese mixture. For the final touch, add a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Be careful when removing the foil not to burn yourself!
Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm and enjoy!
📝 Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the béchamel sauce.
Feel free to substitute the Gruyère cheese with another melting cheese like Fontina or Monterey Jack.
If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.