Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake, a decadent and refined dish that effortlessly blends the rich flavors of creamy macaroni, smoky chipotle, and crispy bacon. Prepared with the finest ingredients and a touch of culinary elegance, this irresistible creation will transport your senses to a world of cozy, flavorful satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake
Prepare to be delighted by the harmonious interplay of flavors in this Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake. The velvety, luscious cheese sauce is infused with the warm, subtly spicy notes of chipotle, creating a heavenly balance that perfectly complements the salty, crispy bacon. The result is a gourmet dish that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights of refined indulgence, leaving you with a sense of joyful satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
The secret to the irresistible flavors of this Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake lies in the carefully selected ingredients. From the high-quality macaroni noodles to the rich, creamy cheese and the smoky, fragrant chipotle, every element has been thoughtfully chosen to deliver a truly gourmet experience.
- 1 lb (454g) – Elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente
- 8 oz (227g) – Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz (113g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (475ml) – Whole milk
- 2 tsp (10ml) – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tsp (5ml) – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5ml) – Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) – Black pepper
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chipotle Peppers: Mild chili powder or smoked paprika — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Bacon: Vegetarian bacon — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake
Crafting this Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake is a delightful culinary journey, filled with the aromas and textures that will transport your senses to a world of refined comfort.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preparing the essential components of this dish, such as cooking the macaroni noodles to al dente perfection, frying the bacon until crispy, and sautéing the onions and garlic to develop their deep, caramelized flavors.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Next, create the decadent cheese sauce by melting the butter and whisking in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to a smooth, velvety consistency. Stir in the shredded cheese, chipotle peppers, and a touch of seasoning to infuse the sauce with its signature smoky, flavorful essence.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Combine the cooked macaroni noodles with the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in the rich, luscious mixture. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the crispy bacon on top, and bake until the edges are golden and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For the ultimate finishing touch, garnish the Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, adding a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the dish.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for a more complex, sophisticated flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Sauté bell peppers or mushrooms and fold them into the cheese sauce for a veggie-packed twist.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your personal preference for heat.
- Topping Variations: Try a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping or a drizzle of whiskey-maple glaze for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from chilled.
Nutrition Information
This Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake is a delightful indulgence, crafted with high-quality ingredients and a touch of culinary refinement. While it may not be the lightest of dishes, the combination of protein-rich bacon, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and the creamy, comforting cheese sauce provides a satisfying and nourishing meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake in advance and bake it just before serving. Simply assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for macaroni noodles, you can experiment with other small, short pasta shapes, such as penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni, to create your own version of this comforting dish.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
To increase the heat, you can add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top.
Can I use vegetarian bacon?
Yes, you can easily substitute the traditional bacon with a plant-based alternative to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. The smoky, savory flavor will still complement the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
How can I make this dish more health-conscious?
To lighten up this recipe, you can use lower-fat cheese, substitute some of the milk with unsweetened almond or cashew milk, and incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, into the dish.
Try These Next
- Smoky Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Foil Pan Bake
- Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
- Chipotle Bacon Cheddar Smash Burger With Smoky Ranch Drizzle
Smoky Chipotle Bacon Macaroni Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this smoky and creamy chipotle bacon macaroni bake, a refined comfort dish that elevates classic flavors with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, chipotle, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. 5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
6. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. 7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Noodles & Gnocchi
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg