I’m not great in the kitchen. I panic when things start sticking or boiling over. But this skillet mac & cheese with bacon? I’ve made it a bunch of times, and every time my spouse looks at me like I’m a total kitchen pro. No fancy moves, just one skillet, a little stirring, and cheesy, bacon-y magic.

Why This Recipe Works

✅ One skillet for cooking and melting—hello, easy cleanup!
✅ Creamy, cheesy comfort food that hits the spot
✅ Crispy bacon that adds the perfect salty crunch
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights

Ingredients (serves 3-4)

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.

2. Cook macaroni in the skillet
To the bacon fat in the skillet, add the uncooked elbow macaroni and milk. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and most of the milk is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.

3. Stir in the cheeses and butter
Lower the heat, then stir in sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and butter until melted and creamy. Mix in the crispy bacon pieces.

4. Serve and enjoy!
Take the skillet off the heat, let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken up, then dig in. This cheesy, bacon-y skillet mac & cheese feels like a major win without any of the usual kitchen stress.

Can’t wait to see you try this—I promise, if I can make it, anyone can!