Deliciously creamy Baked Mac & Cheese, loaded with sour cream, bacon, and chives and topped with buttery bread crumbs. The BEST mac & cheese ever….sure to become a family favorite!
So I’ve started looking back at old blog posts. Like WAY back….to the time I first started blogging, just over 4 years ago. And let’s just say it’s a good reminder. Of where I started, why I started, how much my kids have changed in that time, and how far I’ve come.
When I first started blogging, my intent was to have a home improvement blog, where I shared updates on the projects we were doing in our new (old) house. And I did a few of those – like two – along with a handful of home decor posts, before realizing that house projects and home decor are not really my forte. House projects take way too long to blog about (I don’t understand how people do it) and my ideas for home decor always seemed to fall at least a little short. To be honest, I have to stop myself from cringing as I look back at my posts from 2012 and 2013. I know we all have to start somewhere….but really? Why did I have to start THERE?
The good news is that at some point I fell into food blogging. And decided that even though I had started out one way, I could totally make the decision to switch courses. And I did. Thank God. But if you’ve ever wondered why my blog is named Lemon Tree Dwelling….that’s why! Because I planned to make it all about my home. My dwelling place.
If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it all different. I’d start with a name that was obviously FOOD, I’d take way better pictures (haha) and I’d start with re-do’s of some of my favorite family recipes. Like this Loaded Mac & Cheese. The starting point? An old family recipe passed down from Jorden’s Aunt Sue…..with a few minor tweaks and the addition of sour cream, bacon, and chives. Because let’s be honest. Old family recipes are favorites for a reason! And LOADED makes everything better.
The only requirement for this Loaded Mac & Cheese is that you like your mac & cheese creamy. Because this is the creamiest mac & cheese ever! It’s perfect for family dinners, and kids, and feeding a crowd….and even though it’s particularly delicious right out of the oven, it reheats well (and makes a big pan), so you can plan on some leftovers. And I’ll plan on bringing you some more delicious twists on family recipes….sound good? And we can both save the home decor inspiration to someone else. 😉
- 3 c. elbow macaroni
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- ½ c. flour
- ½ tsp. dry mustard
- 1½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 6 c. milk
- 1 lb. shredded cheddar or cheddar jack cheese
- ½ c. panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
- ½ package bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 Tbsp. minced chives
- sour cream
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter.
- Stir in flour, mustard powder, salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in milk.
- Return to heat; cook over medium-high heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add cheese and stir until it begins to melt.
- Mix cheese mixture with cooked macaroni; pour into greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Combine bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over mac & cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees 15 minutes or until bubbly.
- Remove from oven; top with crumbled bacon, chives, and sour cream.
Since today is National Pasta Day, I’ve partnered with some of my favorite bloggers to bring you even more delicious recipes!
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti // The Recipe Rebel
Tomato Basil Penne // One Sweet Appetite
Baked Italian Tortellini // Tried and Tasty
Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti // Dessert Now Dinner Later
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo // Cupcake Diaries
One Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta // Life Made Sweeter
Loaded Mac & Cheese // Lemon Tree Dwelling
Copycat Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Brio // Garnish & Glaze
Creamy Butternut Penne with Spinach and Parmesan // A Kitchen Addiction
Laura at I Heart Naptime says
This looks AMAZING. So amazing, in fact, I might have had to resist licking my computer screen.
Sandi Gaertner says
Looks like it would be a tasty dish.
Laura O |Petite Allergy Treats says
Lol, we all had to start some where right? I’m so glad you kept you blog and turned to FOOD. Looking back is a great way to see all you’ve accomplished, like this amazing creamy mac and cheese! Looks so good!
Maryanne | the little epicurean says
This is the BEST idea ever. I’d love this as a side dish for Thanksgiving instead of a loaded baked potato 🙂
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Oh my word!! I want to eat all of this! I love mac and cheese and could literally eat is like everyday! This would be a favorite for me!
Michelle | A Latte Food says
Mac and cheese is my favorite comfort food! I so want this for dinner tonight!
Jennifer says
Have you ever made this the day before and then baked the next day? Would you make any alterations?
Corrina says
I’m wondering the same thing. It doesn’t look like she’s answering anyone though 🙁 I was hoping to get an opinion on it but I’m going to try it. I’ll let you know how it turns out unless you’ve already tried. In which case, please let ME know how it worked out 🙂
Cathy Trochelman says
Hi Corrina, I’ve never tried making it the night before but my hunch is that it would be better fresh. Did you end up trying it? If so, I’d love to know how it went!
Cathy Trochelman says
Hi Jennifer, I’ve never tried making this the night before. You would definitely need to increase the cook time by quite a bit, as it would be cold going into the oven. Hope this helps at least a little!
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