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loaded mac and cheese
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4.89 from 9 votes

Loaded Mac & Cheese

This loaded mac and cheese is stuffed full of flavor, with the onions and bacon swimming through the sauce. This is like a loaded baked potato but in mac and cheese form. The sauce is as creamy as it is delicious.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 493kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cavatappi pasta
  • 4 tbsp butter or bacon grease
  • 4 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup smoked gouda
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp unsalted melted butter for breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup scallions
  • 5 strips cooked crispy bacon
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt generously
.
  • While the water comes up to a boil, cook the bacon in large skillet until crisp.
  • Remove the bacon and add additional butter if needed to the skillet.
  • When the butter melts completely, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add the all-purpose flour and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the milk and whisk to remove any lumps
.
  • Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens
.
  • While the sauce is thickening cook the macaroni according to packaging instructions.
  • Once the sauce thickens, turn off the heat and stir in 3/4's of the cheddar and gouda, leaving some behind for later
.
  • Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter.
  • When the pasta is almost done cooking, drain it, and add it to the cheese sauce.
  • Place the macaroni and cheese sauce in a casserole dish and stir in the sour cream. Top it off with the buttered breadcrumbs and remaining cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until nice and crispy.
  • Add the finely chopped cooked bacon and scallions.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 481mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 434mg | Iron: 1.2mg