Name: Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 8 slices bacon; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese (cubed); 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix; 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded white American cheese; Fresh parsley (chopped (optional))

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The first time I made Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, I knew I had stumbled onto something truly special. The smoky, crunchy bacon combined with creamy, cheesy pasta felt like the ultimate hug in a dish. And then there’s the ranch seasoning that ties it all together with its tangy, herby magic.

Honestly, every forkful is pure comfort! What makes this even better? It’s so simple to whip up! With easy-to-find ingredients and a quick prep time, you’ve got yourself a dish that’s perfect for anything from a busy weeknight to a special gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Comfort Food Classic

Get ready to gather these pantry-friendly ingredients for a flavor-packed casserole!

1 lb penne pasta: The hollow shape soaks up all that creamy goodness perfectly.
8 slices of bacon: Adds smoky crunch that steals the show.
3 tablespoons butter: Forms the base for a rich, velvety roux.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to luxurious perfection.
2 cups whole milk: A creamy must-have for the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Provides richness and depth.
4 oz cream cheese, cubed: Makes the sauce super creamy and tangy.
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix: Packs in tangy, herby flavor that makes this dish sing.
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Sharp, flavorful, and melts like a dream.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and gooeyness to every bite.
1/2 cup shredded white American cheese: Ultra creamy and smooth when melted.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A bright garnish for a pop of color.

Note: Makes about 6 servings, perfect as a main dish or side for a larger group.

Delicious Variations to Suit Your Style

This mac and cheese recipe is incredibly adaptable to fit various tastes and needs.

Gluten-Free: Replace the pasta and flour with gluten-free options.
Lightened-Up Version: Use low-fat milk, less cheese, and turkey bacon for a healthier twist.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add roasted veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a satisfying alternative.
Turn Up the Heat: Add cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.

How Quickly Can You Whip This Up?

Here’s how much time you’ll need to make this cozy, indulgent dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Tools You’ll Need in the Kitchen

You don’t need much to make this gooey, flavorful masterpiece!

Large pot: To cook the pasta to al dente perfection.
Skillet: For frying the bacon until crispy.
Whisk: Ensures your cheese sauce is perfectly smooth.
Casserole dish: Baking helps get that golden, bubbly crust.

How to Make the Best Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese?

This recipe comes together in simple, manageable steps. Here’s how you can make it!

Crisp Up the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy. Once done, transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess grease. When it’s cool, crumble it into small pieces for the perfect smoky crunch.

Boil the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Remember, it’ll bake later, so slightly undercooked pasta is best. Once done, drain and set aside. This ensures your pasta won’t get mushy as it bakes with the sauce.

Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in the same large pot you used for the pasta. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Add in cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and all shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy, rich, and full of tangy, cheesy flavor.

Bring it All Together

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every curve of the penne is coated in creamy goodness. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, leaving some aside for the topping.

Bake Your Mac and Cheese

Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle any remaining cheese and bacon bits on top for an irresistible look and flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips for the Most Delicious Results?

Here’s how I make sure this dish is absolutely perfect every time!

Grate Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
Use Quality Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds the best texture and flavor; it stays crispy even after mixing it into the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! It will continue cooking as it bakes.
Customize the Ranch Mix: You can adjust the ranch seasoning to your taste, but it’s what gives the dish its signature flavor, so don’t skip it entirely.

How to Serve Your Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese?

Presentation goes a long way when serving this dish!

Main Dish: Serve it as the centerpiece of your meal, garnished with fresh parsley and maybe a drizzle of ranch dressing. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded dinner.
Side Dish: Bring it to potlucks or barbecues, and watch it disappear faster than anything else on the table! It pairs beautifully with baked chicken, grilled beef, or roasted pork.
Extra Flair: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy finish or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Nutritional Information

A single serving is packed with indulgent flavor.

Calories: 780
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fat: 48g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Here’s how to enjoy this dish fresh or as leftovers.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the cheese sauce and mix it with the pasta a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and bake it fresh when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven for the best results. This way, the texture stays creamy, and the topping becomes crispy again.

Why You’ll Crave This Recipe?

There are so many things to love about this irresistible dish!

Packed with Flavor: From smoky bacon to tangy ranch and creamy cheese, every bite is satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, with minimal effort required.
Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works as a main dish or side for just about every occasion.
Customizable: Spice it up, lighten it down, or add veggies to make it your own.
Pure Comfort: Cheese, bacon, and ranch make for the ultimate cozy, indulgent meal.

This Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a true standout. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. Go ahead, dig in, and savor all the layers of flavor!