If you’re searching for that perfect comfort food with an impressive twist, look no further—this Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to be your new go-to! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon and a hint of fresh spinach, it’s a dish that’s as perfect for a cozy family dinner as it is for impressing guests at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Creaminess: The blend of cheeses and rich dairy makes this mac and cheese irresistibly smooth and luscious.
- Bacon Boost: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky crunch that elevates every bite.
- Simple Ingredients, Huge Flavor: No complicated steps—just classic staples done exceptionally well.
- Versatile for Everyone: Optional spinach and breadcrumb toppings let you customize while still impressing your crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe has a special role to play—whether it’s adding creaminess, texture, or a layer of savory depth, these essentials combine to create an unforgettable dish.
- Uncooked bacon: Brings that crave-worthy smoky flavor and crispy texture that pairs wonderfully with cheese.
- Minced garlic: Adds a gentle aromatic warmth that complements the rich cheese sauce without overpowering.
- Fresh spinach (optional): Sneaks in a touch of green and bright freshness, balancing out the richness.
- Dry elbow pasta: The classic mac and cheese noodle shape that holds onto cheesy sauce perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Used both to enrich the sauce and toss with the pasta for extra silkiness.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the roux to thicken the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Whole milk and half-and-half: These creamy liquids blend for that velvety sauce consistency.
- Salt and ground mustard: Tiny seasoning touches that enhance and brighten the flavors.
- Shredded cheese blend: Sharp white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and gouda make the ultimate trio for rich flavor and gooey meltiness.
- Optional breadcrumbs and parmesan: For that golden, crispy topping when you decide to bake your mac and cheese.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Fresh herb garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
The beauty of this Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in how adaptable it is. Whether you want to add your personal twist, accommodate dietary preferences, or simply experiment with flavors, these variations make it easy and fun to customize.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and boost the spinach or add sautéed mushrooms for umami without meat.
- Spicy twist: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux to keep the mac and cheese safe for sensitive eaters.
- Extra cheesy: Add a handful of mozzarella or fontina for extra stretch and gooeyness.
How to Make Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the bacon and prepare spinach
Start by cooking your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. Drain and chop it into bite-sized pieces—that smoky crunch is a must-have. If you love greens, quickly sauté fresh spinach with a little minced garlic to soften and infuse it with flavor; if you prefer, you can skip the spinach altogether.
Step 2: Cook the pasta and toss with butter
Boil the elbow macaroni until it’s just shy of tender—about one minute less than the package says. This way, the noodles won’t get mushy after baking. Drain and stir in two tablespoons of butter to coat the pasta and keep it silky and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the creamy cheese sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook this for about one minute to rid any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in whole milk, half-and-half, salt, and ground mustard, simmering gently until it thickens. Stir in your cheese blend until everything melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Combine pasta, bacon, spinach, and sauce
Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the buttered pasta. Fold in your chopped bacon and sautéed spinach gently until everything is evenly coated and bursting with flavor. At this point, you can serve it immediately for a luscious stovetop mac and cheese or proceed to bake for a golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to perfection (optional)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13 dish, sprinkle with crunchy breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes for a bubbling, crispy top. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Perfect Roux Consistency: Whisk constantly while making your roux to prevent lumps and ensure the sauce stays silky smooth.
- Cheese Blend Matters: Combining sharp cheddar with gouda adds a deeper flavor dimension you won’t get from cheddar alone.
- Butter Your Pasta: Tossing the hot pasta with butter before mixing in the sauce helps the cheese cling beautifully and keep things creamy.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Al dente noodles hold up better during baking and keep the dish from becoming mushy.
How to Serve Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top brightens up the rich, golden mac and cheese, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the cheese superbly. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma.
Side Dishes
This creamy mac and cheese pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables—think asparagus or Brussels sprouts—to balance the richness. Grilled chicken or a juicy steak also make incredible mains alongside it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Or, transform it into bite-sized portions by scooping into mini muffin tins for easy party appetizers that will wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mac and cheese thickens up as the pasta absorbs more sauce, so store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, add a splash of milk while reheating to revive that creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—place cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often and adding extra milk as needed. This helps restore the luscious, cheesy sauce without drying it out or overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use shells, cavatappi, or even penne—just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the pasta is al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce.
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Is it okay to skip the bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon to keep it vegetarian or lighten the dish. To keep a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke into the sauce.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux. It works really well without compromising creaminess.
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What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?
For the best crisp crust, bake the mac and cheese with a topping of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Cover initially to prevent burning, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to get that golden, crunchy finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy mac and cheese to make everyone smile—and this Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly one of my favorites to share. With its irresistible blend of cheeses, crispy bacon, and that optional fresh spinach kick, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving and makes any day feel special. So go ahead, whisk up this classic comfort food and watch it disappear from the plate in no time!
PrintCompany-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy sauce with crispy bacon and optional sautéed spinach for a flavorful, comforting dish. It’s perfect served immediately or baked for a crispy breadcrumb topping, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 slices uncooked bacon
Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach (optional)
Pasta
- 1 pound dry elbow pasta
Dairy & Fats
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) half-and-half (or more whole milk)
- 5 cups (560g) shredded cheese (3 cups sharp white cheddar, 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup gouda)
- 1/2 cup (40g) shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
Pantry
- 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 cup (45g) breadcrumbs, such as Panko (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook the 12 slices of bacon according to package directions until crispy. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces. You should have about 3/4 cup of chopped bacon. Set aside for later use.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté 1 teaspoon of minced garlic with 3 cups of fresh spinach until the spinach is wilted and tender. This step is optional and can be skipped if you prefer no greens in your mac and cheese.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of dry elbow pasta until al dente—about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter to coat the noodles and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to form a thick roux. Cook and whisk this paste for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of half-and-half along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while whisking continuously. Once simmering, gradually add 5 cups of shredded cheese (a mix of sharp white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and gouda) and whisk until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the buttered pasta in the large bowl. Stir in the chopped bacon and sautéed spinach until evenly combined.
- Serve or Bake: For immediate serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the macaroni and cheese evenly. Top with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese if desired. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving. Reheat leftovers in the microwave to restore sauce consistency.
Notes
- Spinach is optional; omit if you prefer a traditional mac and cheese.
- To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick when reheated, add a splash of milk while warming leftover mac and cheese.
- Using a combination of cheeses gives a richer, more complex flavor.
- If you don’t want to bake, serve the mac and cheese directly after mixing at step 5.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunchy topping when baked; substitute with regular breadcrumbs if unavailable.
