Description
This Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac and Cheese is a dreamy fusion of two comfort food legends—creamy mac and cheese meets the bold flavors of a fully loaded baked potato. It’s cheesy, smoky, hearty, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for those looking for easy dinner ideas, quick comfort meals, or crowd-pleasing food ideas. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a cozy night in, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to. Ideal for both weeknight meals and weekend indulgence, it’s one of the best dinner ideas you’ll try this year.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir until thickened.
4. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until melted, then add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
5. Stir in sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Mix pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
8. Top with extra cheddar, bacon, green onions, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes if a crispier top is desired.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with more green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
Shred your own cheese for the best melting texture.
Let the dish rest before serving for a thicker, creamier bite.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: comfort food, easy recipe, mac and cheese, baked potato, dinner ideas