This Creamy Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon is the ultimate comfort food recipe for cheese lovers. Tender cavatappi pasta is coated in a silky homemade white cheddar and brie cheese sauce, then topped with smoky crispy bacon and buttery golden parmesan breadcrumbs for the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy textures.
The brie adds rich buttery flavor while sharp white cheddar keeps the mac and cheese bold, cheesy, and satisfying. Finished with a short bake for a bubbly golden topping, this gourmet baked mac and cheese recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday side dishes, potlucks, and special comfort food cravings.
If you love ultra creamy homemade mac and cheese recipes with crispy bacon and rich cheese flavor, this baked brie mac and cheese is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
Ultra Creamy Cheese Sauce
This brie mac and cheese is made with a silky homemade cheese sauce using sharp white cheddar, buttery brie, parmesan, whole milk, and evaporated milk for a rich, smooth texture.
Loaded with Crispy Bacon
Smoky thick-cut bacon adds savory flavor and crunchy texture, making every bite of this creamy baked mac and cheese extra satisfying.
Gourmet Comfort Food Flavor
Brie gives this homemade mac and cheese a luxurious, buttery flavor while sharp cheddar keeps it bold, cheesy, and classic.
Perfect for Holidays and Cozy Dinners
This baked brie mac and cheese works beautifully as a holiday side dish, comfort food dinner, potluck recipe, or rich pasta bake for special occasions.
Crispy Golden Topping
A buttery panko and parmesan topping gives this creamy mac and cheese the perfect golden crunch without drying out the sauce.
🛒 Ingredient Notes for Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
Cavatappi Pasta
Cavatappi pasta is ideal for this baked brie mac and cheese because the spiral shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. Elbow macaroni or shells can also be used.
Brie Cheese
Brie adds rich buttery flavor and luxurious creaminess to the mac and cheese sauce. Remove most of the rind for the smoothest texture while still keeping the signature brie flavor.
Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
Sharp white cheddar gives this homemade mac and cheese its bold cheesy flavor. Freshly grated cheddar melts smoother and creates a creamier sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Parmesan Cheese
Fresh parmesan adds savory depth and enhances the golden crispy breadcrumb topping. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Thick-Cut Bacon
Thick-cut bacon provides smoky flavor and crispy texture that balances the rich creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
Whole Milk and Evaporated Milk
The combination of whole milk and evaporated milk creates an ultra creamy cheese sauce that stays smooth and reheats beautifully.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard enhances the cheese flavor without making the sauce taste like mustard. It adds brightness and depth to the rich mac and cheese.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Buttery panko breadcrumbs create a crispy golden topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta underneath.
🔥 How to Make Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until just under al dente, about 1 minute less than the package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing.
Crisp the Bacon
Cook the chopped thick-cut bacon in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for extra smoky flavor.
Make the Roux
Add the butter to the reserved bacon fat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until smooth and lightly bubbling. This helps thicken the homemade cheese sauce for the brie mac and cheese.
Build the Creamy Sauce Base
Slowly whisk in the warmed whole milk and evaporated milk. Cook over medium-low heat for 4–5 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon while still flowing smoothly.
Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Add the brie and stir gently until melted. Gradually add the sharp white cheddar and parmesan in small handfuls, stirring until smooth before adding more cheese.
Season the Sauce
Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, optional nutmeg, black pepper, and kosher salt. Taste the cheese sauce before adding more salt since the bacon and parmesan are already salty.
Combine the Pasta and Bacon
Fold the cooked pasta and most of the crispy bacon into the cheese sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water until the pasta looks glossy, creamy, and generously coated.
Add the Crispy Topping
Transfer the brie mac and cheese to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan together, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F for 6–7 minutes, just until bubbling around the edges. Broil for 30–45 seconds if you want a more golden crispy topping, but avoid overbaking so the mac and cheese stays creamy.
Garnish and Serve
Top the baked brie mac and cheese with the reserved crispy bacon, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly while staying silky and creamy.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Freshly grated sharp white cheddar melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese and creates the creamiest homemade mac and cheese sauce.
Keep the Heat Low
Once the cheese is added, keep the heat on low and avoid boiling the sauce. High heat can cause the cheese sauce to separate or become grainy.
Undercook the Pasta Slightly
Cook the pasta just under al dente before baking so it stays perfectly tender and does not become mushy in the oven.
Remove Most of the Brie Rind
Removing most of the brie rind helps create a smoother and silkier cheese sauce while still keeping the rich buttery brie flavor.
Warm the Milk Before Adding
Using warmed milk helps the sauce come together more smoothly and prevents lumps from forming in the mac and cheese sauce.
Do Not Overbake
This baked brie mac and cheese is already fully cooked before going into the oven. A short bake keeps the sauce creamy while crisping the breadcrumb topping.
Use Thick-Cut Bacon
Thick-cut bacon stays crispier longer and adds the best smoky flavor and crunchy texture to this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe.
Let the Mac and Cheese Rest
Allow the brie mac and cheese to rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sauce thickens slightly while remaining silky and creamy.
✨ Variations for Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
Add Caramelized Onions
Sweet caramelized onions pair beautifully with the buttery brie cheese and smoky bacon for an even richer gourmet mac and cheese flavor.
Make It Spicy
Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy twist on this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe.
Add Lobster or Crab
Turn this brie mac and cheese into an elegant seafood pasta dish by adding chunks of lobster meat or lump crab.
Use Different Cheeses
Swap part of the cheddar cheese for smoked gouda, gruyere, fontina, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile and extra creamy texture.
Add Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms add earthy savory flavor that pairs especially well with buttery brie cheese and crispy bacon.
Make It Extra Crispy
Double the buttery panko topping if you love extra crunchy baked mac and cheese with golden crispy edges.
Add Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic adds deep rich flavor and makes this homemade brie mac and cheese even more comforting and savory.
Use a Different Pasta Shape
Shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini also work well in this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe if cavatappi is unavailable.
❄️ Storage and Make Ahead Tips for Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover brie mac and cheese with crispy bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The creamy cheese sauce stays smooth and flavorful when reheated properly.
How to Reheat
Reheat the mac and cheese gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally while reheating to keep the cheese sauce smooth.
Avoid Overheating
Overheating can cause the cheese sauce to separate or become oily. Warm the baked mac and cheese slowly for the best creamy consistency.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can fully assemble this baked brie mac and cheese up to 24 hours ahead of time. Prepare the pasta and cheese sauce, transfer everything to the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking.
Baking from the Refrigerator
If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Keep the Topping Crispy
For the crispiest buttery breadcrumb topping, add the panko topping right before baking instead of during refrigeration.
Can You Freeze It?
This creamy brie mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently with extra milk.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
What does brie add to mac and cheese?
Brie adds buttery richness, creamy texture, and a subtle earthy flavor that makes homemade mac and cheese taste more luxurious and gourmet.
Do I need to remove the brie rind?
Removing most of the brie rind helps create the smoothest cheese sauce. Leaving a small amount is fine and can add extra flavor.
Can I make brie mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully assemble the mac and cheese up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
Cheese sauce can become grainy if it gets too hot. Always keep the heat low after adding cheese and avoid boiling the sauce.
What pasta works best for baked mac and cheese?
Cavatappi works especially well because the spiral shape holds the creamy cheese sauce beautifully, but elbow macaroni, shells, and rotini also work well.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated cheese is strongly recommended because pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the sauce.
How do I keep baked mac and cheese creamy?
Avoid overbaking the mac and cheese and keep the sauce slightly loose before baking since the pasta absorbs sauce while resting.
Can I freeze brie mac and cheese?
Yes. Freeze the mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
What cheeses pair well with brie in mac and cheese?
Sharp white cheddar, gruyere, gouda, fontina, and parmesan all pair beautifully with brie in creamy baked mac and cheese recipes.
🧀 Brie Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon
Equipment
- Large pot
- colander
- large Dutch oven or deep skillet
- Whisk
- wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula
- cheese knife
- Ladle
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
Bacon
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk warmed
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 4 ounces brie cheese rind mostly removed and cubed
- 3 ¼ cups freshly shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch ground nutmeg optional
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
Crispy Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Reserved crispy bacon
- Chopped parsley
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until just under al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. Do not rinse.
Cook the Bacon
- Cook chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
Make the Roux
- Add butter to the bacon fat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth and lightly bubbling.
- Avoid browning the roux too much.
Build the Sauce
- Slowly whisk in warmed milk and evaporated milk.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- The sauce should lightly coat the back of a spoon while still remaining fluid.
Melt the Cheese
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add brie and stir gently until melted.
- Gradually add cheddar and parmesan in small handfuls, stirring constantly until smooth before adding more.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, nutmeg if using, black pepper, and salt.
- Taste before adding additional salt.
Combine Pasta and Bacon
- Fold pasta and most of the crispy bacon into the cheese sauce.
- If needed, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- The pasta should look creamy and generously coated.
Add Topping and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Transfer mac and cheese to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix panko, melted butter, and parmesan together.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 6–7 minutes until bubbling around the edges.
- Broil for 30–45 seconds if desired for extra golden crunch.
- Avoid overbaking.
Garnish and Serve
- Top with reserved crispy bacon, parsley, and cracked black pepper.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
🧀 More Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
If you love rich, creamy comfort food recipes, be sure to try some of these other delicious baked mac and cheese recipes from Sugar Cloud Baking.
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