Loaded Mac and Cheese – classic recipe ramped up wtih crispy bacon, sour cream, green onions and plenty of the creamy cheesy comfort we crave.

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This creamy stovetop Mac and Cheese is an easy dinner recipe that’ll win over even the picky eaters we all know and love. Enjoy as a main dish or side that goes with almost anything.

Ready in under 30 minutes this the BEST Loaded Mac and Cheese I’ve ever made.

What I love about this recipe:

Whips up in under 30 minutes with basic grocery store ingredients.

It’s the homemade macaroni and cheese we all love but –extra– with crispy bacon and more!

Great side or main dish.

Ingredients needed for Loaded Mac and Cheese:

elbow macaroni
butter
all purpose flour
half and half OR whole milk OR 2% milk (skim not recommended)
salt and pepper
sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
full fat sour cream
bacon cooked to crisp and diced OR packaged bacon bits
sliced green onions

How to make Loaded Mac and Cheese:

Shred the cheese (I like using a box grater) then set it aside.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add a generous pinch of salt. This helps season every layer of this dish. Cook macaroni according to the package directions for al dente then drain and set aside.

Using the same pot melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the top stirring until smooth then cook 1 minute.

Gradually add the milk a little at a time, blending before adding more then season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium low and cook 1 minute whisking constantly as the sauce starts to thicken.

Turn off the heat then add the grated cheese a handful at a time, letting the cheese melt before adding more. Stir a couple minutes until the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Fold in the sour cream and the drained macaroni then add half of the bacon. Garnish with the remaining bacon and sliced green onions then serve right away.

TIPS FOR THE BEST MAC AND CHEESE:

Grate the cheese yourself (can be done a day ahead). Packaged grated cheese contains additives that prevent it from clumping and the cheese sauce won’t be as creamy.
The bacon can also be cooked and refrigerated a day ahead of time. Warm it in the micro for a few seconds before adding to this dish to help re-crisp it.
Precooked bacon or bacon bits can also be used in this recipe.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy and how to fix it:

If your cheese sauce is grainy, it’s because the cheese got too hot causing it separate. Stir in cheese at the end and let the existing heat melt it.

This is another case for not using preshredded cheese which has additives that prevent it from clumping in the bag but also won’t give you that smooth creamy cheese sauce we’re looking for.

To fix a grainy cheese sauce, remove it from the heat and whisk in a splash of milk, cream – or een a slice of American cheese.

What’s the best kind of cheese for mac and cheese?

For the best cheese sauce you can’t go wrong with classic flavors like Sharp Cheddar, White Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese.

Here are few other options that work well:

American cheese
Gouda
Gruyere
Pepper Jack cheese (for a spicy mac and cheese)
Try a blend of a couple of these cheese – plus mozzarella cheese for a gooey cheese pull.

More popular Mac and Cheese recipes:

Macaroni and cheese may just be the perfect comfort food. There are so many varieties – here are a few of my favorite recipes to try next time:

Baked Macaroni and Cheese – creamy baked mac and cheese with buttery bread crumb topping.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese – spicy one pot buffalo ranch flavor in a 3-cheese sauce. This is hands-down my family’s favorite mac and cheese.

Pesto Mac and Cheese with Chicken – another one pot meal bites of chicken and pasta in a creamy herby pesto sauce.

Full printable recipe below – enjoy!