Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Carbonara – Creamy, Smoky, and Rich Comfort Food

Bobby Flay’s Mac and Cheese Carbonara takes a classic comfort dish to a whole new level. Inspired by Italian carbonara, this recipe blends the creaminess of mac and cheese with smoky bacon, parmesan, and egg for a rich, silky, indulgent twist. It’s perfect for special occasions, weekend dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

What is Bobby Flay’s Mac and Cheese Carbonara?

This dish is a fusion of two beloved recipes: creamy American mac and cheese and Italian pasta carbonara. It features elbow macaroni enveloped in a cheesy béchamel sauce with crispy pancetta or bacon, egg yolks for richness, and a sharp parmesan punch—finished under the broiler for a golden, bubbling top.

Other Popular Bobby Flay Recipes

• Bobby Flay Steak Fajitas
• Bobby Flay Shrimp Tacos
• Bobby Flay Salsa

Why You Love This Recipe

• Fusion of two favorites – Combines mac and cheese with carbonara in one epic dish
• Rich and silky sauce – Eggs, cheese, and cream blend into a luxurious texture
• Smoky bacon goodness – Adds depth and a satisfying bite
• Simple yet elegant – Feels gourmet without being complicated
• Kid- and crowd-friendly – A hit at potlucks, holidays, and family meals
• Easy to customize – Add veggies, swap cheeses, or make it spicy

Ingredients Needed to Make Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Carbonara

• Elbow macaroni – 1 lb
• Pancetta or bacon – 6 oz, diced
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
• Whole milk – 2 cups
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Egg yolks – 2 large
• Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
• Pecorino Romano (optional) – ½ cup, grated
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Fresh parsley – for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Carbonara

• Cook pasta al dente – Boil macaroni in salted water and drain just before fully tender.
• Crisp the bacon – Sauté diced pancetta or bacon until golden. Remove and set aside, leaving drippings.
• Make the béchamel base – Add butter to the pan, then whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
• Whisk in milk and cream – Slowly pour in and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Temper the eggs – Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Slowly add some hot sauce to the yolks to avoid scrambling.
• Combine and cook – Stir yolks into the sauce, then add parmesan, pecorino, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Fold in pasta and bacon – Add the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon into the sauce, tossing to coat.
• Bake and finish – Transfer to a greased baking dish. Broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbling.
• Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

What Goes Well With Bobby Flay’s Mac and Cheese Carbonara

• Garlic roasted broccoli – Offers a crunchy, earthy balance
• Grilled chicken or steak – Adds protein and savory contrast
• Crisp Caesar salad – Lightens the richness with fresh greens
• Tomato basil soup – Complements the cheesy flavor
• Buttery breadsticks or focaccia – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
• Sparkling water or dry white wine – Cuts through the creamy texture

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Carbonara

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente holds up better after baking
• Temper egg yolks slowly – Avoids curdling and ensures a smooth sauce
• Use freshly grated cheese – Melts better and tastes fresher
• Broil just until golden – Watch closely to avoid burning
• Add extra cream if needed – For a looser consistency after baking
• Balance flavors with black pepper – Enhances the richness and cuts through fat

Variations of Bobby Flay’s Mac and Cheese Carbonara

• Add peas or spinach – For color and a hint of freshness
• Use smoked gouda or fontina – Replaces mozzarella with a smoky depth
• Try turkey bacon for a lighter option – Cuts down on fat but keeps flavor
• Top with breadcrumbs – Add crunch with seasoned panko before baking
• Make it spicy – Stir in red chili flakes or diced jalapeños
• Swap pasta shapes – Penne, cavatappi, or shells also work great

Storage Guidelines for Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Carbonara

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days – Store in an airtight container
• Avoid storing in aluminum pans – Can alter flavor over time
• Portion before storing – Makes reheating quicker and cleaner
• Label with date – Helps keep track of freshness
• Freeze for up to 2 months – Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight

Reheating Tips for Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Carbonara

• Reheat in oven for best results – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
• Microwave in short bursts – Use 30–40 second intervals with stirring in between
• Add a splash of cream or milk – Keeps it from drying out during reheating
• Stir halfway through reheating – Ensures even warmth and texture
• Avoid overheating – It can cause eggs and cheese to separate

Nutritional Value (per Serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fiber: 2 g

Print

FAQs

Can I make Bobby Flay’s Mac and Cheese Carbonara ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before baking or broiling to ensure even heating.

Do I have to use egg yolks in mac and cheese carbonara?

Egg yolks are key to creating a rich, silky texture that mimics classic carbonara. If you skip them, the sauce will still be cheesy but less creamy and luxurious.

What kind of bacon does Bobby Flay use in carbonara mac and cheese?

Bobby often uses pancetta for an authentic Italian flavor, but thick-cut smoked bacon or guanciale can also work beautifully.

Can I use a different type of pasta for carbonara mac and cheese?

Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi can hold the sauce well and add a different texture.

Final Words

Bobby Flay’s Mac and Cheese Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and satisfying. With layers of texture and flavor, it’s perfect for a family meal, dinner party, or when you want something a little extra special. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to mac and cheese recipe.