Get ready to have your taste buds absolutely ROCKED, y’all! This Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake is the ultimate in comfort food decadence – a thrilling explosion of flavors that will have you feasting on pure deliciousness. We’re talking layers of pasta, smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and loaded with crispy bacon bits, all baked to epic, irresistible perfection. This is a dish that will have your friends and family begging for seconds (and thirds!)
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake is the stuff that food dreams are made of. It’s an absolute flavor sensation, with a mouthwatering combination of rich, creamy cheese and smoky, salty bacon that’s guaranteed to leave you craving more. The pasta bakes up to a bubbly, golden-brown perfection, creating a dish that’s not only incredibly delicious but also visually stunning. Plus, it’s super easy to make, with simple, accessible ingredients that come together in no time. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this epic, explosive pasta bake!
Ingredients
To make this Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, heavy cream, garlic, and a few pantry staples. The result is a decadent, indulgent dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
- 1 lb (454g) – Elbow macaroni
- 12 oz (340g) – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups (240g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (240g) – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) – Heavy cream
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi can all be used in place of the elbow macaroni (they’ll hold the sauce just as well!)
- Cheese: Try a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, or Gruyère for a more gourmet twist on the classic cheddar and mozzarella.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake
Let’s get this insane pasta bake started, shall we?
Step 1: Prep Work
First, you’ll need to cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a separate pan, fry up that delicious bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to make that incredible, creamy cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat, then sauté the garlic until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Slowly add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, layer the cooked macaroni, the cheesy sauce, and the crispy bacon bits. Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Let the Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake cool for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy! Trust me, the wait will be worth it. This dish is the ultimate in comfort food bliss.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for an extra pop of heat.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the baked pasta with a layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs or a Parmesan cheese crust for a delightful textural contrast.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes to amp up the nutrition and flavor.
- Protein Boost: For an even heartier meal, mix in some shredded chicken or crumbled Italian sausage.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a crisp white wine.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake is a true flavor explosion, packing in a whopping 550 calories, 30g of fat, and 35g of protein. It’s definitely an indulgent dish, but hey, sometimes you just need to throw caution to the wind and dive headfirst into a massive, mouth-watering pasta bake, am I right?
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 1,050 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pasta bake in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use just about any short pasta shape for this recipe, like penne, rigatoni, or even cavatappi.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten things up a bit, you could try using a combination of low-fat and full-fat cheeses, or swapping out some of the heavy cream for milk or half-and-half. You could also cut back on the amount of bacon used.
Can I add any extra toppings?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake is the perfect canvas for all sorts of delicious toppings. Try adding some crispy breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra flavor kick.
How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you can use a less expensive cheese blend or opt for store-brand ingredients. You could also use a few slices of diced ham or turkey bacon in place of the traditional pork bacon.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Bacon Bliss Macaroni Bake
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni Bake
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni Bake
Cheesy Bacon Explosion Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously cheesy and savory pasta bake loaded with crispy bacon and topped with gooey cheese.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
3. 3. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
6. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
For extra flavor, add some chopped green onions or parsley on top before serving.
You can substitute the bacon with cooked sausage for a different taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pasta, cheese, bacon, bake