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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this 35-minute loaded mac and cheese recipe! This dish takes the classic macaroni and cheese we all know and love, and elevates it to new heights with the addition of crispy bacon and panko breadcrumbs. Ready in just minutes, this creamy, cheesy masterpiece is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a satisfying meal. Whether you serve it as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this classic comfort food is a family favorite that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Upgrade to this loaded mac and cheese; you’ll never want to make it any other way. It’s is so good you’ll want to eat it straight out of the baking dish!
Hunting for more mac and cheesy recipes? Make taco mac and cheese, my copycat Panera mac and cheese, or a Hawaiian macaroni salad.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck, party, or family dinner, everyone will be obsessed with this loaded mac and cheese. Also, it can be easily doubled or tripled.
Delicious leftovers: This recipe tastes just as good the next day. It is perfect as leftovers or for meal prep.
Ultimate comfort food: This dish is the height of comfort food, providing a warm, creamy, and satisfying meal.
Loaded Mac and Cheese Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pasta: Elbow pasta is commonly used. Swap with any short pasta, like shells or penne, for a different texture.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor without needing fresh ingredients.
Chives and parsley: These herbs add the yummiest flavors.
Paprika: For color and smokiness.
Flour: To create a roux that helps thicken the cheese sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce; vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for a vegetarian option.
Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Mild cheddar cheese gives that classic mac and cheese flavor, while mozzarella adds extra creaminess and stretchiness. You can use a sharp cheddar cheese if you want a bolder taste.
Sour cream: The tanginess balances the sauce a little.
Bacon: Adds a crunch and a rich, smoky flavor to bacon mac and cheese.
Panko breadcrumbs: These add a crispy topping when baked, adding texture contrast.
How to Make the Best Loaded Mac and Cheese
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Cook the pasta: Cook macaroni pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the dried chives, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk in the flour. Add the chicken broth, mix and cook for 3 or 4 minutes. Stir in the milk and heat gently until warm. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese to melt.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir in the sour cream and chopped bacon. Spread the pasta mixture into a baking dish.
Prepare the topping: In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs with melted butter. Mix well.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta. If desired, add more crumbled bacon on top.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Substitutions and Variations
Pasta options: While elbow pasta is traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, bowtie, shells, or fusilli.
Cheese choices: Play around with other cheeses like gouda, fontina, Monterey jack cheese, or Parmesan cheese for unique flavors. You can also use a blend of cheeses for added complexity.
Milk alternatives: Substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan.
Vegetable add-ins: Mix in steamed broccoli or spinach, or perhaps some roasted cauliflowe, for added nutrition and flavor.
Meaty options: Swap out crispy bacon for cooked chicken, sausage, or diced ham. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Seasoning adjustments: Add some Italian herbs and chives, or a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sayce for heat.
Toppings: Instead of breadcrumbs, top with crushed crackers or croutons, tortilla chips or fried onions.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Start with peperonata and crunchy bread or cheesy jalapeno dogs.
Main: Serve your cheese-loaded mac dish with roasted vegetables or green salad.
Dessert: End with luscious creme brulee cheesecake, Bailey’s Irish cream pie or a key lime pie.
How to Store Mac and Cheese
Store: Once completely cooled, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Leave the frozen mac and cheese in the fridge to defrost overnight.
Reheat: My favorite method is the air fryer. Put a portion in a ramekin, add more cheese and cook for 3 or 4 minutes at 330°F.
Top Tips
Cook pasta al dente: To prevent mushy pasta cook it until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Use good quality cheese: Go for high-quality cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded options.
Layer the toppings: For added texture, mix some of the breadcrumbs with the cheese before topping the pasta, and then add more breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
Let it rest: After baking, let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to serve.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Fully Loaded Mac and Cheese FAQs
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
To make loaded mac and cheese vegetarian, leave out the bacon. You can add extra vegetables or use vegetable broth.
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
To ensure a creamy cheese sauce, add the cheese gradually while stirring and make sure the milk and broth are warm before mixing them in. Avoid boiling the mixture after adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming gritty.
Easy Loaded Mac and Cheese Recipe
Loaded Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Pot Large
- Dutch Oven 7-Quart
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces elbow pasta, but can be any shape
- 10 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Teaspoon onion powder
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon chives, dry
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ½ Teaspoon ground paprika
- 4 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 Cup chicken broth
- 3 Cups milk
- 3 Cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ Cup sour cream
- 6 Strips bacon, cooked and chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 Cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter, oil or nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. Set aside.
- In a 7-quart pot or Dutch oven over a medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the onion, powder, garlic powder, chives, salt, parsley, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
- Add the flour and whisk with the seasoned butter until you have a thick paste.
- Add the chicken broth. Mix well and cook for 3 or 4 minutes.
- Stir in the milk and cook for a few minutes. Don’t let it boil, just make sure the whole mixture is warm.
- Add in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and mix until melted.
- Add the drained, cooked pasta. Mix well so all the pasta is coated with the cheese sauce.
- Add the sour cream and bacon. Mix well
- Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, add 4 tablespoons of melted butter to the breadcrumbs. Mix well.
- Spread evenly on top of the pasta and add bacon if you want for topping.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the top is golden, and then serve immediately.
Notes
Use good quality cheese: Go for high-quality cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded options.
Layer the toppings: For added texture, mix some of the breadcrumbs with the cheese before topping the pasta, and then add more breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
Let it rest: After baking, let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to serve.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition
This loaded mac and cheese recipe has all the flavors you love in a good, creamy mac and cheese PLUS a whole lot more. It makes the most incredible main dish or side. The added savory flavors make it extra tasty. It’s super simple to make and pretty heavenly. Bacon, oniony flavors and double cheese take this recipe to the next level.
Other Pasta Recipes to Try
- Dive into this tasty paccheri pasta with oversized tubes to carry its yummy sauce!
- Impress your guests with this stunning stuffed rigatoni pasta pie.
- Enjoy this shrimp linguine with succulent shrimp tossed in a light, flavorful sauce that elevates this classic dish.
- Spice up your dinner with Louisiana Cajun chicken pasta, a flavorful dish that brings a taste of the South right to your table.
- Savory sausage and creamy sauce come together in this comforting creamy Tuscan sausage pasta.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This Loaded mac and cheese was a huge hit, so comforting!