Smoky Bacon & Gruyère Baked Mac

This is not your average boxed mac and cheese — we're talking a golden, bubbling casserole loaded with smoky bacon and nutty Gruyère that takes comfort food to a whole new level. The secret twist is a spoonful of Dijon mustard stirred right into the cheese sauce, which adds a subtle tang that makes every bite incredibly addictive. It comes together faster than you'd think and tastes like something you'd order at a cozy bistro.

✨ An original recipe written by AI — not kitchen-tested, so trust your taste on seasoning & timing.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than the package says, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but about one teaspoon of the drippings.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it smells slightly nutty. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Stir the sauce over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in both cheeses, the Dijon mustard, and the smoked paprika until completely smooth.
5. Fold the drained macaroni and crispy bacon into the cheese sauce until evenly coated, then pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then scatter them evenly over the top of the mac.
7. Bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets up nicely.

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