Loaded Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and when you take it to the next level with a variety of savory mix-ins and toppings, you get loaded mac and cheese. This recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that make it a hearty meal on its own. Featuring gooey cheese, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and bold seasonings, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights.

Dive into this detailed guide that covers everything you need to know to make the best-loaded mac and cheese ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Customizable: Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices to create your signature mac and cheese.
2. Comforting: Rich, creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender pasta is the epitome of comfort food.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a main dish or side dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Create a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and bubbly.
2. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Season the Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins

1. Stir in half of the bacon, chicken or pulled pork (if using), and sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
2. Gently mix until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble (Optional for Baking)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the mac and cheese.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Mac and Cheese (Optional)

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
• Pair with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or barbecue ribs for a complete meal.
• Offer as a decadent side dish at holiday dinners or potlucks.

Tips for the Perfect Loaded Mac and Cheese

1. Choose the Right Cheese: Use high-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue to cook in the sauce or while baking.
3. Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with mix-ins and toppings like crispy onions, roasted vegetables, or spicy chorizo.
4. Prevent a Grainy Sauce: Gradually melt the cheese over low heat to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
5. Reheat Gently: Reheat leftovers in a saucepan with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture.

Variations

Vegetarian

• Skip the bacon and meat, and load up on vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini.

Spicy

• Add cayenne pepper, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
• Top with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Kid-Friendly

• Stick to classic mix-ins like bacon and broccoli to keep it simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Shells, penne, or cavatappi work beautifully in this recipe.

What’s the best way to make it creamier?

Use a mix of milk and heavy cream, and avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the dish.

Can I make it lighter?

Substitute milk for cream and use reduced-fat cheese. Add extra vegetables to increase volume without adding calories.

Conclusion

Loaded Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with a variety of savory toppings and mix-ins. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any palate or occasion. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the best-loaded mac and cheese you’ve ever had!

Yield: 6

Loaded Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and when you take it to the next level with a variety of savory mix-ins and toppings, you get loaded mac and cheese. This recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that make it a hearty meal on its own. Featuring gooey cheese, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and bold seasonings, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Mac and Cheese Base:
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Loaded Toppings:
• 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1 cup cooked ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

4. Layer the Loaded Toppings

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
3. Top with the crumbled bacon, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
4. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the top for added flavor.

5. Bake

1. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve

1. Let the dish cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream (optional) and serve warm.

Notes

• Customize: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or add jalapeños for extra spice.
• Make ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese base a day in advance, then bake with toppings before serving.
• Cheese options: Experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for unique flavors.