Print

Creamy Cracker Barrel Loaded Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe

creamy cracker barrel loaded mac and cheese copycat - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich, creamy, and hearty mac and cheese inspired by Cracker Barrel’s loaded version, featuring a blend of Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheeses, smoky bacon, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (optional)
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and slightly nutty.
  4. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in cubed Velveeta and shredded sharp cheddar until melted and creamy.
  6. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  8. Stir in crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
  9. Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
  10. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
  12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour. To get an extra crunchy crust, broil for the last 2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. Stir cheese sauce continuously while melting cheese for smoothness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, Cracker Barrel copycat, loaded mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-cracker-barrel-loaded-mac-and-cheese-copycat-recipe-easy-and-delicious/