Description
This Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Mac And Cheese brings together creamy macaroni, tender chunks of buttery potato, a blend of melty cheeses, crispy bacon, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s like your favorite baked potato collided with classic mac and cheese—and it’s glorious.
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced small
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 green onions, chopped
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the diced Yukon gold potatoes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and toast the breadcrumbs until golden brown. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Fold in sour cream.
4. Add the cooked pasta and potatoes to the sauce. Stir to coat well. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bacon.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Dice the potatoes small so they cook quickly and blend evenly with the pasta.
For a spicier kick, substitute pepper jack cheese or add chopped jalapeños.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to thicken slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg