Bacon Crusted Mac & Cheese Lava Cakes

You had me at bacon crusted. These Bacon Crusted Mac & Cheese Lava Cakes are more than delicious, they are heaven. You get Macaroni and Cheese piled into a volcano, coated with bacon and breadcrumbs and then baked into a fabulous creation.

Ingredients:

For the Mac & Cheese:

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Bacon Crust:

  • 8-10 strips of bacon, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

For the “Lava” Filling:

  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Mac & Cheese:
    • Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
    • Slowly whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
    • Add in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Bacon Crust:
    • In a bowl, combine finely chopped bacon and breadcrumbs. Mix well.
  3. Assemble the Lava Cakes:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Grease 4-6 ramekins or muffin tin slots.
    • Press a layer of the bacon-breadcrumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each ramekin or muffin slot to form a crust.
    • Fill each bacon crust with a portion of the mac & cheese, leaving a small well in the center.
    • In the well, add a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream. This will create the “lava” center.
    • Top with more mac & cheese, ensuring the “lava” mixture is completely enclosed.
    • Finish by pressing some more of the bacon-breadcrumb mixture on top.
  4. Bake:
    • Place the ramekins or muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon crust is crispy and golden.
  5. Serve:
    • Allow the lava cakes to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the ramekins or muffin tin.
    • Place each lava cake on a plate. When cut open, the gooey cheese “lava” should flow out.
    • Serve immediately.

4 thoughts on “Bacon Crusted Mac & Cheese Lava Cakes

  • May 15, 2022 at 2:24 pm
    Permalink

    Food looks great and pretty easy.

    Reply
  • September 2, 2023 at 6:43 pm
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    I would use Pepper Jack cheese for the lava

    Reply
    • September 6, 2023 at 3:36 am
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      aaah, I crave gruyere in this recipe. my oh my! lol

      Reply
  • September 8, 2023 at 3:33 am
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    “8-10 strips of bacon”

    Bacon strips come in many sizes. This doesnt really tell me how much bacon to use. Can I get a weight maybe?

    Reply

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