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Homemade Loaded Mac and Cheese Bake recipe photo

Loaded Mac and Cheese Bake

This Loaded Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food with creamy cheese sauce, crispy turkey bacon, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy dinners!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Oven mitts

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until bubbly and just beginning to turn golden.
  • Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Fold in 1 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until breadcrumbs are golden brown and cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Swap turkey bacon with cooked chicken or turkey sausage for a protein variation.
  • Adding a splash of milk when reheating restores creaminess.
  • Let the bake rest before serving to help the sauce thicken for easier portioning.
Keyword Baked, Cheesy, Comfort Food, Easy, Family-Friendly