Hormel Mac And Cheese Recipe : Creamy, Cheesy & Easy to Make at Home

Craving the ultimate comfort food? My Hormel Mac and Cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and loaded with smoky bacon flavor. This isn’t your average boxed mac; it’s a homemade baked masterpiece made with layers of cheddar, a velvety cheese sauce, and crispy HORMEL® Real Bacon Pieces. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to treat yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your table.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

The heart of this recipe is the creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. Here’s how I make it:

Mixing the Ingredients

1. In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat.
   
2. I whisk in the cheddar cheese soup and evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.
   
3. Once combined, I stir in nutmeg, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
   
4. Finally, I fold in ¼ cup of HORMEL® Real Bacon Pieces, letting them warm in the sauce so the smoky flavor infuses throughout.
   

The result is a rich and velvety cheese sauce that makes this dish irresistible.

Cooking and Layering the Mac and Cheese

Preparing the Pasta

• First, I cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until it’s just al dente.
  
• After draining, I set it aside, ready for layering with the cheese sauce.
  

Layering the Dish

1. I spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce in the bottom of my 9×13 baking dish.
   
2. Next, I add a layer of cooked pasta, followed by more cheese sauce, and a generous sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
   
3. I repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, making sure the final layer is topped with plenty of cheese.
   

By the time it’s assembled, the dish looks mouthwateringly good, even before hitting the oven!

Baking the Mac and Cheese

Oven Temperature and Baking Time

• I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).
  
• Once the mac and cheese dish is fully layered, I slide it into the oven and bake it for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around the edges.
  
• The smell alone is enough to make everyone in the house head straight for the kitchen!
  

Adding the Bacon Topping

When the baking time is complete, I pull the dish out and sprinkle the remaining three tablespoons of HORMEL® Real Bacon Pieces over the top. The extra bacon gives a smoky crunch that balances perfectly with the creamy cheddar layers.

Serving and Enjoying

This Hormel Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish. I usually serve it hot straight from the oven, letting the cheesy layers stretch as I scoop it onto plates. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness.
  
• Grilled Vegetables: Adds a smoky touch.
  
• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much comfort food.
  

For potlucks or family dinners, this dish is always the first to disappear. It’s hearty enough to be a main course, but also makes an incredible side for BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or burgers.

Storage Instructions

Keeping It Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), I let the mac and cheese cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, I like to place it in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. For a quick option, the microwave works too; stir halfway through heating for the best texture.

Freezing Option

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly.

Recipe Variations

What I love about this Hormel Mac and Cheese is how versatile it is. Here are some of my favorite twists:

• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of mozzarella or Monterey Jack for gooey goodness.
  
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  
• Loaded Mac: Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for a heartier meal.
  
• Seasoned Twist: Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Italian herbs to switch up the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this Hormel Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes, since it will be cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use shells, rotini, penne, or cavatappi. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up during baking.

3. How do I keep my mac and cheese creamy when reheating?

The key is to add a splash of milk or cream before reheating. This helps loosen up the sauce and keeps it from drying out. Stir halfway if reheating in the microwave for best results.

4. Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes! If you prefer a vegetarian version, leave out the HORMEL® Real Bacon Pieces. You can even swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra flavor and texture.

5. Can I freeze Hormel Mac and Cheese?

Definitely, let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

6. What cheeses work best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is the star of this recipe, but you can mix it with mozzarella, Colby Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Hormel Mac and Cheese recipe is everything you want in comfort food: creamy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely irresistible. The layers of sharp cheddar, smooth cheese sauce, and crispy bacon bits make each bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, a game day gathering, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe hits the spot every single time.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the cheesiest, most satisfying mac and cheese you’ve ever had. One thing’s for sure, this dish won’t last long on the table!