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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:
- 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.
What You Will Need for This Delicious Casserole
Read more: Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
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
A rich and creamy mac and cheese casserole loaded with extra goodies like bacon and breadcrumbs.
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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.
Read more: Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese as directed but don't bake.
- Let it cool completely.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, uncover, and bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese but skip the baking step.
- Cool it completely.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- 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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