Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cornbread Skillet

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 30 min. + standing

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Nov. 02, 2023
My cast-iron skillet is a workhorse in my kitchen. I just love it for cooking and baking. This mac and cheese recipe makes for a perfect smaller-portion side. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cornbread Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 8 bacon strips, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 6 large eggs, divided use
  • 3 cups 2% milk, divided
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 1 package (8-1/2 ounces) cornbread/muffin mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Additional green onions

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a 12-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoons in pan.
  2. Drain macaroni; add macaroni to drippings. Stir in shredded cheeses and cream cheese; cook and stir over medium heat until cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes. Whisk 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, green onions, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pour into skillet. Cook and stir until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  3. Reserve 1/4 cup bacon for topping; sprinkle remaining bacon over macaroni. Place cornbread mix, paprika and remaining 4 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Pour over bacon.
  4. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with reserved 1/4 cup bacon and additional green onions.

Test Kitchen tips
  • Give some seasonal flair to this recipe: Add cooked green peas for a touch of spring or tasty chunks of butternut squash for a fall twist.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 cup: 497 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 978mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.