Name: Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces elbow macaroni (or shells); ½ pound bacon; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided); 8 ounces Gruyere cheese (shredded, divided (or Gouda, Monterey Jack, Colby, etc))

Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese brings a new level of comfort to a beloved classic. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon bits, and tender pasta shells, it works perfectly for potlucks or weeknight dinners.

overhead shot of homemade dutch oven mac and cheese.

When I’m in need of an easy comfort meal, I love to grab my Le Creuset cast iron Dutch oven and make delicious bacon mac and cheese. This simple dish is an instant crowd-pleaser!

The best part about Dutch oven mac and cheese is that it all comes together in one pot — which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.

In fact, it can go straight from the oven to the tabletop for easy serving.

Baked mac and cheese with bacon is a symbol of comfort, whether it’s served during the holiday season, at potluck parties, or simply as a home-cooked meal.

It’s hearty enough for a meal on its own, but it complements grilled meats (like this grilled chicken) and roasted asparagus and carrots with ease.

ingredients needed to make dutch oven mac and cheese

Ingredients and Substitutions

Elbow macaroni: you can use small shell noodles instead
Bacon: this gives the mac and cheese more flavor, but can be omitted
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk: preferably whole, but 2% will work too
Salt
Black pepper
Dried nutmeg
Sharp cheddar cheese
Gruyere cheese: this can swapped out for either Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.

STEP TWO: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.

STEP THREE: Add the butter to the bacon fat and let it melt. Then, whisk in the flour continuously for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown.

Cooking bacon in dutch oven until crispy

STEP FOUR: Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, whisking often until the mixture thickens. Remove the pot from the heat.

adding in grated cheeses to roux in Dutch oven.

STEP FIVE: Fold in ¾ cup each of the cheddar and Gruyere cheese, adding just a bit at a time until it’s fully melted.

STEP SIX: Add the cooked pasta and bacon, stirring to combine.

STEP SIX: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the pasta.

STEP SEVEN: Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted on top. Enjoy your delicious homemade mac and cheese!

mixing in cooked pasta and crispy bacon with homemade cheese sauce

Topped cooked macaroni with leftover shredded cheese.

What to Serve With Baked Bacon Mac and Cheese

While Dutch oven mac and cheese is delicious on its own, it’s even better when paired with air fryer BBQ chicken wings and air fried chuck roast.

For a vegetable side dish, consider serving roasted parmesan broccoli or green beans almondine.

overhead side view of cheesy mac and cheese in a pot.

Variations for Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking to add a bit more texture to your creamy mac and cheese, add a breadcrumb topping during the last 5 minutes or so of baking.
You can swap out the bacon for other protein sources or add some in with it. Diced chicken or sliced sausage are tasty additions to bacon mac and cheese. Remember to cook them beforehand or utilize leftovers for convenience and extra flavor!
Spice it up with chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or buffalo sauce!
While the recipe calls for elbow macaroni, don’t hesitate to experiment with mini shells, wheels, or orecchiette.

using a slotted spoon to serve homemade mac and cheese

More Mac and Cheese Recipes

closeup of bacon mac and cheese in a pot

How Do I Prevent Mac and Cheese from Getting Grainy?

To prevent grainy mac and cheese, be sure to melt the cheese gradually over low heat while stirring constantly. Add a small handful at a time, waiting until it has completely melted before adding more.

High heat can cause the cheese sauce to break and become grainy, which is not ideal for that creamy texture we want!

Can I Make Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?

Yes! If you’re prepping for the holidays or a large gathering, make it no more than a day in advance. Prepare the recipe as directed, but stop before it goes into the oven.

Instead, spoon everything into a foil baking pan and cover tightly. Store the remaining shredded cheese separately, but place both in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready, continue the recipe by adding the cheese and baking. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure it’s warmed through.

Otherwise, cook your mac and cheese all the way through, then refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

baked mac and cheese with cheddar and gruyere in a white bowl

What is the Best Way to Reheat Mac and Cheese?

Baked mac and cheese can go right back in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

You can also warm individual portions on the stove with a splash of milk, though the texture will be a bit creamier.

More Pasta Recipes to Try