Livia Scott
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all your favorite baked potato toppings, this Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table fast. Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for that perfect finish.
This dish combines two classic favorites—baked potatoes and mac and cheese—into one irresistible casserole. It’s hearty enough for a cozy family dinner yet indulgent enough to serve at gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese
• Combines two comfort food classics in one dish
• Creamy, cheesy texture with crispy, savory toppings
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
• Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
• Crowd-pleasing and family-approved
What Makes Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese So Irresistible?
It’s all about the layers of flavor and texture. You get the smooth richness of homemade cheese sauce, the heartiness of tender pasta, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the fresh bite of green onions. The topping turns golden and slightly crisp in the oven, creating that crave-worthy contrast in every bite.
Ingredients
• Elbow macaroni – The classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
• Butter – Creates the base for a rich and velvety sauce.
• All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Whole milk – Provides creaminess and structure to the sauce.
• Heavy cream – Adds extra richness and a smooth finish.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Brings bold flavor and classic mac and cheese taste.
• Mozzarella cheese – Adds stretch and meltiness.
• Sour cream – Gives that signature baked potato tang.
• Cream cheese – Enhances the creamy texture.
• Cooked bacon – Adds smoky, crispy flavor throughout the dish.
• Green onions – Provide a fresh, mild onion bite as garnish.
• Salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Black pepper – Adds subtle warmth.
• Garlic powder – Boosts savory depth in the sauce.
How To Make the Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly golden and smooth, forming a roux. This step ensures a thick and creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add the Dairy
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Melt the Cheeses
Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted. Add the sharp cheddar and mozzarella gradually, stirring until smooth and velvety.
Step 5: Add the Loaded Flavors
Mix in the sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Fold in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for topping.
Step 6: Combine and Assemble
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon and extra shredded cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly sliced green onions before serving.
The Best Way to Serve Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese
This dish comfortably feeds about 6 people as a main course and can serve up to 8 as a hearty side dish. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. It also complements grilled meats or barbecue dishes beautifully.
How to Store Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese
Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, shells, cavatappi, or rotini work well because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
3. What cheeses work best for extra flavor?
Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of smoked gouda for depth.
4. How do I make it extra crispy on top?
Add a light layer of shredded cheese or buttered breadcrumbs before baking for a golden, crunchy finish.
5. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even seasoned ground beef turn this into a complete, satisfying dinner.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If you loved this Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese, you might also enjoy:
• Crunchy Baked Mac And Cheese – https://lifewithlivia.com/crunchy-baked-mac-and-cheese/
• Creamy Taco Mac And Cheese – https://lifewithlivia.com/creamy-taco-mac-and-cheese/
• Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole – https://lifewithlivia.com/cheesy-tater-tot-casserole/
• Baked Potato Chicken And Broccoli Casserole – https://lifewithlivia.com/baked-potato-chicken-and-broccoli-casserole/
For even more daily comfort food inspiration, visit my Pinterest board here:
Life With Livia – https://www.pinterest.com/dadaking0065/
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese to your favorite comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra bacon or try a different cheese blend?
I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s cook smarter together.
Print Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, this Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup. Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a rich homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and sour cream, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for an easy dinner, cozy family meal, holiday side dish, or crowd-pleasing potluck recipe, this baked mac and cheese delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup sour cream
8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 16 ounces elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
4. Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese until fully melted.
6. Add 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Mix in 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
8. Fold in 6 slices of the cooked and crumbled bacon.
9. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
10. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese and remaining 2 slices crumbled bacon over the top.
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
12. Remove from oven and garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, avoid overbaking. Remove the dish once the center is hot and bubbly to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: loaded baked potato mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck recipe
