Cracked Out Mac and Cheese - easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe loaded with cheddar, bacon, and ranch. Super simple to make and tastes great. Pasta, butter, flour, heavy cream, milk, ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, bacon, cheez-it crackers. Comfort food at its best! Makes a great side dish or main dish. Can make this casserole in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later. Add this to your menu ASAP! You won't be disappointed.
If you are sensitive to store-bought ranch dressing mix, make sure to adjust the amount to your personal preference.
I use campanelle pasta. Penne pasta and elbow macaroni also work great.
You can use whole milk or heavy cream.
Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
If you don't like Cheez-its, you can substitute panko bread crumbs or omit the bread crumbs altogether.
Can Cracked Out Mac & Cheese be made in advance? Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
Can Cracked Out Mac & Cheese be frozen? Yes. Assemble the casserole and cool completely. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil—place in the freezer.
To bake after freezing, thaw, and bake as directed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.