There is nothing quite like a warm, cheesy dish to bring everyone together during the holiday season, and the Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese – Festive Turkey Bacon Five Cheese Bake Recipe does just that. This dish is a show-stopper with its rich blend of five decadent cheeses melded perfectly with crispy turkey bacon and comforting pasta, creating layers of flavor and texture that feel like a festive hug on a plate. Whether you are serving it as a main course or a side, it’s guaranteed to become a star at your Christmas table, offering the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes that make each bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect mouthwatering bake. From pasta that provides the perfect chew to a luxurious blend of cheeses delivering creaminess and depth, every component enhances the taste, texture, or festive appeal of this dish.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta: Picks up the cheesy sauce beautifully and holds every luscious bite.
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a smooth base for the roux to thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Works with the butter to build the creamy, velvety cheese sauce.
- 3 cups milk: Keeps the sauce silky and light enough to coat every noodle.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings indulgent richness to the sauce’s texture.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: Offers classic sharpness and bold flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet complexity.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Delivers extra creaminess for that dreamy, smooth finish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Provides a salty, savory punch that brightens the mix.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Ensures a gooey, melty texture that stretches deliciously.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Adds subtle depth and a gentle tang without stealing focus.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Gives a fragrant, earthy holiday aroma.
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary: Lends piney brightness that complements the cheese beautifully.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping: Adds a golden, crispy crown to your bake.
How to Make Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese – Festive Turkey Bacon Five Cheese Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter your baking dish generously to prevent sticking and help with browning. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, because it will continue cooking in the oven and you don’t want it mushy. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, ready to be enveloped in cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to make a roux—this cooks for about one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously; this step is key to a smooth, lump-free sauce. Cook gently until the mixture thickens into a creamy bechamel base that eagerly awaits the cheese’s arrival.
Step 3: Incorporate the Five Cheeses and Herbs
Lower the heat and add the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella one at a time, stirring to melt each fully before adding the next. This layering ensures the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and perfectly balanced. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary. The herbs and mustard bring that extra festive flair, making it unmistakably a holiday treat.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Turkey Bacon, and Cheese Sauce
Fold the cooked pasta and crispy crumbled turkey bacon into the cheese sauce gently—take care not to break the pasta but ensure every piece is bathed in cheesy goodness. The turkey bacon introduces a smoky contrast that pairs wonderfully with the rich cheese blend, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your cheesy pasta mixture to the buttered baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb and melted butter topping evenly over the surface. This topping will bake to a gorgeously golden, crunchy crust that is just the right texture contrast. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully browned, inviting you to dig in.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Allow your Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese – Festive Turkey Bacon Five Cheese Bake Recipe to rest for a few minutes once out of the oven. This step is crucial because it helps the sauce to set slightly for better slicing or scooping, and gives the flavors time to meld beautifully so every mouthful feels balanced and comforting.
How to Serve Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese – Festive Turkey Bacon Five Cheese Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh sprinkle of chopped herbs like parsley or extra thyme right before serving not only brightens the dish visually but adds a lovely fresh note that cuts through the richness. For an extra holiday touch, a few dried cranberries scattered on top bring a surprising pop of sweetness and color that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with a crisp winter salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the decadent cheese bake, or roasted Brussels sprouts and garlic green beans for a classic, satisfying Christmas feast. These sides add freshness and texture contrasts that round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate the presentation, consider serving the Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese – Festive Turkey Bacon Five Cheese Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cocottes for personal portions that look elegant and feel special. Alternatively, create a festive pattern on top with extra herbs or decorative breadcrumb designs to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this festive mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked dish before serving by covering it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to refresh the crispy topping. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will also work but expect the topping to lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will give a smokier, fattier flavor and crispness. Just adjust cooking time since it might render more fat. Turkey bacon keeps it lighter but still delicious.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for savory depth. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts for extra texture.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Definitely. The key is to use a combination of cheeses that melt well and provide varied flavors. Feel free to swap Gruyère for Swiss or fontina, and mozzarella for provolone, while keeping some sharp cheddar for bite.
What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni and cavatappi are ideal because they hold the cheesy sauce well in their curves and crevices. However, penne or shells would also work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines classic comfort food with festive elegance, the Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese – Festive Turkey Bacon Five Cheese Bake Recipe is the perfect answer. With its rich cheeses, subtle herbs, and that irresistible bacon crunch, it’s a dish that will bring joy and warmth to your holiday table. Don’t hesitate to make this your go-to recipe this Christmas — your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese – Festive Turkey Bacon Five Cheese Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Million Dollar Christmas Mac and Cheese is a festive and indulgent twist on the classic comfort dish. Featuring five types of cheese and savory turkey bacon, it’s baked to golden perfection with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb topping. Aromatic herbs like fresh thyme and rosemary add holiday flair, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
Additional Ingredients
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
Topping
- ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a large baking dish or individual cocottes to prevent sticking and add richness to the backing surface.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk and ½ cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheeses—sharp cheddar, Gruyère, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella—one at a time until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Bacon: Add the cooked pasta and crumbled turkey bacon to the cheese sauce, mixing gently to ensure every piece is well coated.
- Assemble and Top: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish or cocottes. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb and melted butter mixture on top to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your festive comfort food!
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or pancetta if preferred.
- For a richer sauce, use full-fat milk and cream as indicated.
- For added texture, consider mixing in sautéed onions or garlic before adding the flour.
- The Dijon mustard is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the cheese sauce.
- If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener.
- Breadcrumb topping can be replaced with crushed crackers or panko for extra crunch.
