Havarti Dill and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese

Havarti Dill and Bacon Mac n’ Cheese is every bit as delicious as it sounds. With smoky bacon and tangy dill its a bright and cheesy mac and cheese everyone will love! 

I don’t know about you but I love a decadent creamy macaroni and cheese. Something between the noodles and the cream sauce that make it practically irresistible. And one of my favorite things about making homemade macaroni and cheese is that it is actually a really versatile recipe. It’s a great base. You can use any kind of cheese you want and add any mix-ins that sound good. 

For this recipe I used Havarti Dill Cheese and Crispy Smoky Bacon to make this bright and cheesy side dish even the kiddos will love! 

Let’s talk about what you will need to make it. 

Havarti Dill and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese Ingredients: 

• BACON: I used thick sliced bacon to make this but you can use whatever bacon you have on hand. I like to dice it into one-inch pieces before cooking. 
• ELBOW MACARONI: Using elbow macaroni is traditional when making macaroni and cheese so that is what I use in this recipe but any small pasta would work. Shells or orecchiette would be perfect too! 
• BUTTER/FLOUR: This will make the roux and help thicken the cheese sauce. 
• WHOLE MILK: Whole milk is going to give you the creamiest sauce but you can use 2% as well. 
• DILL HAVARTI CHEESE: A semi-soft Danish cow’s milk cheese. Its very creamy and has a slight buttery flavor and with a subtle taste of dill. You will likely find it in the deli case at your local grocery store. 
• EGG: Adding an egg to macaroni and cheese helps thicken the sauce and gives it a richer flavor. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

If you’ve ever made a cheese sauce before, this macaroni and cheese will be a piece of cake! If you haven’t, don’t worry, I am here to walk you though every step of the process with these step by step photos and instructions. 

• STEP #1: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside. 
• STEP #2: Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. 
• STEP #3: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to cook 1 minute.
• STEP #4: Slowly whisk in milk. Once milk starts steaming, add in cheese one handful at a time stirring in between to make sure it melts and doesn’t clump. 
• STEP #5: Temper the egg with one tablespoon of the warm cheese sauce. Slowly whisk the egg into the sauce. Fold in the cooked macaroni and bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to set for 5 minutes, stir once more and serve. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and use within three days. Reheat over low heat on the stove. If it appears too thick or dry stir in a little more milk as you reheat it. 

Looking for more macaroni and cheese recipes? I have got you covered!

Oven Baked Macaroni And Cheese is a classic comfort food side dish. This easy mac n’ cheese recipe is creamy and cheesy, topped with bread crumbs and baked.

The Best Stovetop Mac and Cheese is made with three different cheeses and done on the stovetop. It’s creamy, cheesy and destined to be a family favorite! 

Roasted Garlic and Thyme Mac n’ Cheese is every bit as creamy and decadent as a good mac n’ cheese should be. With the added deliciousness of sweet roasted garlic and peppery thyme. 

Note: Originally published in 2013. Updated with new photos, step by step photos and instructions and nutrition information in 2025.