Name: Loaded Mac & Cheese Deep Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni or rigatoni; 4 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 cup cooked bacon or diced cooked steak; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs); 1 egg; Optional: sour cream or whipped cream for topping

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Mac & Cheese Deep Dish takes comfort food to the next level by combining creamy, cheesy pasta with hearty mix-ins and baking it into a golden, thick, casserole-style pie. This indulgent dish features layers of flavor, a crispy outer crust, and a creamy, rich center—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you want to impress with a show-stopping main dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
– Elbow macaroni or rigatoni
– Butter
– All-purpose flour
– Whole milk
– Heavy cream
– Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Parmesan cheese, grated
– Salt and black pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika
– Cooked bacon or diced cooked steak
– Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
– Egg
– Optional: sour cream or whipped cream topping for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a deep 9-inch round or springform pan. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Remove from heat. Stir the cooked pasta and chopped steak or bacon into the cheese sauce. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and quickly mix into the cooled mixture to help bind the dish. Pour into the prepared pan. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Optional: top each slice with a dollop of sour cream or lightly whipped cream and a dash of paprika.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

– Meatless version: Skip the steak or bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
– Spicy twist: Mix in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
– BBQ flavor: Use pulled pork or brisket and add BBQ sauce to the cheese mix.
– Buffalo style: Stir in shredded chicken and hot sauce, then top with blue cheese.
– Crusty bottom: Add a pre-baked cornbread or biscuit crust to the base for more texture.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the full dish and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 10 minutes to baking time.

2. What’s the best pasta shape for deep dish mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni and rigatoni work best as they hold the cheese sauce and stack well in layers.

3. How do I keep it from being dry?

Ensure pasta is not overcooked and use a rich cream-based sauce with egg to retain moisture during baking.

4. Can I skip the egg?

You can, but it helps set the deep-dish structure. Without it, the texture will be softer and less sliceable.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Yes—roasted broccoli, spinach, caramelized onions, or bell peppers are great additions.

6. What cheese combination works best?

Use a mix of cheddar (for flavor), Monterey Jack (for melt), and Parmesan (for sharpness).

7. How thick should the sauce be before baking?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not overly stiff—it will thicken in the oven.

8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts better and avoids a grainy texture. Pre-shredded works but may affect creaminess.

9. What’s the purpose of sour cream topping?

It balances the richness with tang and adds a decorative finish, especially when sprinkled with paprika.

10. How do I get clean slices?

Let the dish cool slightly before slicing with a sharp, serrated knife. Clean the knife between cuts for best presentation.

Conclusion

Loaded Mac & Cheese Deep Dish is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet presentation. Whether served for family dinner, holidays, or celebrations, its rich cheese sauce, hearty fillings, and golden topping make it unforgettable. Customizable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a creative twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let me know when you’re ready for the next recipe!

Loaded Mac & Cheese Deep Dish

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Loaded Mac & Cheese Deep Dish is a rich, casserole-style comfort food combining creamy, cheesy pasta with savory add-ins like bacon or steak, baked to golden perfection.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6–8 slices 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a deep 9-inch round or springform pan.
Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream; simmer until thickened.
Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Remove from heat.
Add cooked pasta and chopped steak or bacon to the cheese sauce.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix into the cooled mixture.
Pour mixture into prepared pan.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream or whipped cream if desired.