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Loaded Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe Loaded Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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Loaded Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

I whip up a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, load it with crispy bacon, and bake it to golden perfection. It's comfort food at its finest, perfect for any cozy night in.

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This Loaded Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping and savory bacon. It's a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of mac and cheese with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let's dive into this cheesy goodness!

Loaded Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and crumbled bacon.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

What You Will Need for This Delicious Casserole

What you will need to make loaded mac and cheese casserole

  • Elbow macaroni: Provides the base for the dish, holding the creamy cheese sauce perfectly with its curved shape.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly, creating a rich, gooey texture that defines classic mac and cheese.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce, helping to blend the cheese into a silky consistency.
  • Melted butter: Forms the roux with flour, which thickens the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
  • All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create a roux, essential for thickening the cheese sauce.
  • Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy macaroni.
  • Cooked and crumbled bacon: Infuses the dish with a smoky, savory flavor, elevating the overall taste.

Essential Tools and Instruments

What tools/instruments will be needed to make Loaded Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

  • Large pot: Needed to cook the macaroni until tender.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending the flour and butter smoothly.
  • Baking dish: Holds the macaroni mixture for baking.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures precise amounts of milk, butter, and flour.
  • Cheese grater: Grates the cheddar cheese for the sauce.
  • Oven: Bakes the casserole to a golden, crispy finish.
loaded-mac-and-cheese-casserole-recipe

Loaded Mac and Cheese Casserole

A rich and creamy mac and cheese casserole loaded with extra goodies like bacon and breadcrumbs.
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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking Dish
  • Oven

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 16 oz Elbow Macaroni
  • 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1/4 cup Butter melted
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 6 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions: 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
  • Stir in the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
  • Pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and crumbled bacon.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Notes:

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Keywords:

Keyword Comfort Food
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Make Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make Ahead Instructions

  1. Prepare the mac and cheese as directed but don't bake.
  2. Let it cool completely.
  3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
  4. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  5. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, uncover, and bake as directed.

Freezing Instructions

  1. Prepare the mac and cheese but skip the baking step.
  2. Cool it completely.
  3. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
  4. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  5. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
  6. Remove wrapping, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce can enhance the flavor, giving your mac and cheese a subtle, warm undertone.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:
How can I make this dish creamier?
Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, or spinach work great.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.

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