Loaded Mac and Cheese

Name: Loaded Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 6 bacon strips, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1-3/4 cups 2% milk; 2/3 cup brown ale or chicken broth; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Additional green onions

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min.

Yield 6 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Crispy bacon and a rich beer and cheese sauce make this loaded mac and cheese recipe one of our all-time favorites.

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
6 bacon strips, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-3/4 cups 2% milk
2/3 cup brown ale or chicken broth
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Additional green onions

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, in a 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels. To the same pan, add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Stir in flour until blended; gradually whisk in milk and beer. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook until thickened, 2-3 minutes.
Stir in cheeses until blended. Add macaroni, green onions, salt, pepper and half the bacon; stir to combine. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and additional green onions. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 398 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.

We put a creative spin on classic mac and cheese by adding our favorite beer and bacon. Six tests later, we are happy. —Cindy Worth, Lapwai, Idaho

Recipe Creator