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Savory Bacon Ranch Baked Mac and Cheese

bacon ranch baked mac and cheese - featured image
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This loaded baked mac and cheese features crispy bacon, creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and diced
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (about 1 packet)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese blend
  • 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly, but not browned.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Sprinkle in ranch seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  7. Pour drained macaroni into the sauce and gently fold to coat every noodle. Stir in half the chopped bacon.
  8. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining bacon, cheddar-jack cheese blend, and sliced green onions over the top.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour. Shred your own cheese for best results. Undercook pasta slightly for better texture. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add more cheese. For extra crunch, top with crushed Ritz crackers or panko before baking. Let casserole rest before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, bacon, ranch, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, loaded mac and cheese, family recipe, potluck, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/savory-bacon-ranch-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-loaded-dinner/