Description
Indulge in these Loaded Mac and Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes, combining creamy mac and cheese with a fluffy baked potato for a comforting experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or bacon bits for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the russet potatoes under cold water, ensuring all dirt is removed. Poke holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes until they feel tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are baking, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As it starts to bubble, pour in the milk, stirring along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the mix transforms into a smooth, glossy cheese sauce.
- Gently combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy mixture, ensuring every noodle gets coated in that irresistible sauce.
- Once the potatoes finish baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Carefully cut a slit in the top of each potato and scoop out a bit of the flesh to make space for that decadent mac and cheese filling.
- Spoon the creamy mac and cheese mixture into the potatoes, generously topping with extra cheese if desired.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits for that extra burst of flavor before serving. Enjoy every cheesy moment!
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare cheese sauce and macaroni in advance. Cooking alternatives: Air fry the potatoes for crispy skin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg