Loaded ‘Mac and Cheese’ Potatoes
OMGOSH these are the BEST Mac and Cheese Potatoes I've ever had 😍 Josh 100% agrees. I’ve made them about 15 times now (yes, I’m obsessed), they’re versatile and comforting and believe me when I tell you these literally came to me in a dream (this dream might’ve also featured tap-dancing octopus in sequin leotards but hey we’re all here for the ‘taters so let’s jump straight into it…).
These really are the potatoes of my dreams ❤
INGREDIENTS (Serves 2):
1. ✅ 2 Large Potatoes
2. ✅ 25 grams Salted Butter (1 Tablespoon)
3. ✅ 1.5 Tablespoons Plain Flour (12 grams or 0.40 ounces)
4. ✅ 1 cup Milk (250 ml or 8 fluid ounces)
5. ✅ 1 cup Water (250 ml or 8 fluid ounces)
6. ✅ 1 teaspoon Paprika
7. ✅ 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
8. ✅ 1 cup Dry Macaroni Pasta (approximately 100 grams or 3.5 ounces)
9. ✅ 1 cup Shredded Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella or your favorite) (approximately 120 grams or 4.2 ounces)
Toppings (all are totally optional, feel free to experiment/use what you already have if you’re feeling fancy)
✅ Tomatoes (1 large, diced)
✅ Spring Onion (roughly 1 small handful)
✅ Guacamole (2 tablespoons)
✅ Feta Cheese (1 small handful)
✅ Chipotle Sauce
☀️ SPEICAL THINGS YOU’LL NEED:
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METHOD
☀️ For the Potatoes:
1. Turn your oven on to 180°C (350°F).
2. Wash potatoes to remove any dirt, then stab skin of potatoes 4-5 times with a fork.
3. Place whole potatoes onto a baking tray lined with a silicone baking mat, and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, flipping once (at the 25 minute mark).
4. Whilst the potatoes bake in the oven, it’s time to make a start on the cheesy macaroni…
☀️ For the Mac and Cheese:
1. Melt butter in a pot (medium heat), then add flour and stir well.
2. Add milk and water into the pot and mix in paprika and onion powder until well combined.
3. Add macaroni pasta and stir regularly for until the sauce thickens and pasta is nearly done (roughly 8-10 minutes but keep and eye on it so nothing catches on the bottom).
4. Take the pot off the stove and stir in the shredded cheese.
5. Once the potatoes are fully cooked (check with a fork - if it glides in easily they are done), serve them on a plate and slice down the middle and top with the cheesy macaroni (and optional toppings like tomato, spring onion, chipotle sauce, guacamole etc).
6. Enjoy your loaded ‘taters!
I’m obsessed with these loaded mac and cheese potatoes and have made them so many times since writing this recipe up! They are so versatile and my idea of the ultimate comfort food ❤ I hope you enjoy them as much as Josh and I do :)
Helpful Notes:
Question: Can I make this Gluten Free?
Answer: Yes, feel free to experiment with your choice of gluten-free pasta and flour! I’ve made this with gluten free gluten-free macaroni pasta (and gluten-free flour) a few times now and it’s delicious! There is a big difference between gluten free brands so just make sure to keep a closer eye on your pasta so it doesn’t become overdone and ‘mushy’ – use a fork to test a little piece of pasta at the 6 minute mark and keep a close eye on it as it bubbles away until perfectly cooked.
Question: Can I make this vegan?
Answer: Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk alternative (I regularly use almond milk in this recipe) and swap out dairy cheese for your fave vegan cheese + use a vegan butter alternative :)
HELPFUL HINT:
If you’re short on time (or just want an easier meal) I can recommend cooking your potatoes in the microwave! Yes, that’s right – the microwave :D Just make sure to stab them with a fork (so they don’t explode) and pop them in the microwave for 15 minutes. The skins don’t come out crispy like they would in the oven but their insides come out fluffier! (and at a fraction of the time and energy output!).
Question: I don’t like one (or more) of the ingredients in this recipe - can I substitute ingredients out for something else?
Answer: Yes! Feel free to substitute out any of the ingredients listed here. Google is a wonderful resource if you get stuck and don’t know what a good alternative would be to swap something for. For example, head over to Google and type in ‘onion powder swap’ and you’ll be presented with a range of options to choose from. If you’re still stuck, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram and I’ll do my very best at finding you a good alternative suggestion for ingredient swaps!
Question: How do I avoid lumps/grainy-ness in my cheesy sauce?
Answer: Make sure to stir your sauce constantly. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese as they typically use anticaking agents (which can make the sauce grainy).
Question: What toppings do you recommend for these loaded mac and cheese potatoes?
Answer: Anything your heart desires! I’ve made so many combos of these loaded potatoes and each one has been fantastic. Get as creative as you like! Caramelized onion with bacon sprinkled on top…or even something fun like roasted bell peppers, shredded chicken with toasted pinenuts - there’s endless possibilities for extra little toppings here to completely change up your dish. If you’re after more specific ideas, head over to my Instagram for inspo :D
Question: How do I store these/how long will they last?
Answer: These loaded potatoes can last up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. If you are batch-making many loaded potatoes I’d suggest freezing the cooked potato separately to your toppings and they can last 3 months in the freezer (top with your toppings after reheating your potato first).
Question: Did you really dream about tap-dancing octopus in sequin leotards?
Answer: Yes, it was weird! At one point one of the octopus (octopuses? octopai? octopus? what’s the plural of octopus?) - one of them pulled out a sparkler and chased me around a field of giant red capsicums. I had to eat my way through one of the capsicums and hide. It was there I found a tiny squirrel who was making these loaded mac and cheese potatoes in her tiny kitchen. The kind squirrel received a phonecall and said that my dog was in danger and I needed to go to her immediately (and the squirrel had called an Uber for me). As soon as the Uber came and I got in, shut the door… and then I woke up. LOL weird dream. Totally got the inspo for these loaded mac and cheese potatoes from that kind little squirrel though so woo!
I also raced to see that my dog was ok irl and although she was confused she was totally all fine :P Ahh, chocolate-filled dreams hey!
Connect With Me!
If you enjoyed this recipe, have any questions or want to chat, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @connorcarbonara! I’d love to hear from you!
Nutritional Info:
Counting calories and tracking macros works well for some people but for many others it can lead to obsessive tracking behaviours/disordered eating patterns (and often does more harm than good) - so I’ve made the personal decision to not post them because I never want my recipes to play a role or influence someone into unnecessary tracking/unhealthy views about food and calorie counting. I believe food is one of the best things this world has to offer and hope my recipes inspire you to get creative, have fun, and enjoy life to the fullest (surrounded by incredible food)!