Loaded Bacon Macaroni Quesadilla

Craving a dish that’s the ultimate comfort food with a twist? Say hello to the Cheesy Loaded Bacon Macaroni Quesadilla! This recipe is the perfect marriage of two beloved dishes: creamy, indulgent macaroni and cheese paired with the crispy, savory goodness of a quesadilla. Imagine gooey cheese oozing from a golden-brown tortilla, complemented by the smoky crunch of bacon and the rich, hearty texture of macaroni. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and leaves you with a satisfied smile. Whether you’re whipping this up for a fun family dinner, a weekend treat, or a party appetizer, this fusion creation is bound to impress. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins. Ready to dive into a world of cheesy, bacon-loaded delight? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions, hot sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese: In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted. Mix in the cooked macaroni and bacon, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat and spread a generous layer of the macaroni and cheese mixture on one half. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook until the tortilla is golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat for all quesadillas.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Slice each quesadilla into wedges. Garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

How to Prepare

To prepare this Cheesy Loaded Bacon Macaroni Quesadilla, start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. While the macaroni cooks, fry your bacon until crispy, then crumble it into pieces. Next, make a quick cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and adding milk until thickened. Stir in the shredded cheeses until smooth, then mix in the macaroni and crumbled bacon. Assemble the quesadillas by spreading the macaroni mixture on tortillas, folding them, and cooking them in a skillet until crispy and golden. This easy yet decadent dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for any meal or snack.

Preparation Time

• Cooking Macaroni: 10 minutes
• Cheese Sauce Preparation: 10 minutes
• Assembling Quesadillas: 5 minutes
• Cooking Quesadillas: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes

Servings

• Makes 4 quesadillas (serves 4 as a meal or 8 as an appetizer)

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne or rotini.

2. What other cheeses work well in this recipe? You can mix and match cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian alternative like smoked tempeh.

4. How do I store leftovers? Wrap leftover quesadillas tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

5. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Yes, you can! Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Loaded Bacon Macaroni Quesadilla is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience that brings together the best of comfort foods. This dish is perfect for those moments when you want something filling, flavorful, and just a little indulgent. The creamy macaroni pairs beautifully with the crisp tortillas, while the smoky bacon adds a satisfying crunch that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party snack, or a cozy weekend treat, this quesadilla is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-filled goodness with every bite!

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