Maximum Mac & Cheese - Epic Meal Time
Maximum Mac & Cheese - Epic Meal Time is a hard American recipe that serves 6. 950 calories per serving. Recipe by Epic Meal Time on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $40.52 total, $6.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (dry, uncooked)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 2 cups Whole Milk (full‑fat for richness)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Cheese Curds (fresh, preferably from a dairy counter)
- 12 slices Bacon Strips (thick‑cut, smoked)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup Jack Daniel's Whiskey (smooth Tennessee whiskey)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8‑9 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer 3‑4 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and cheese curds until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Candy Bacon
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the bacon. Drizzle the Jack Daniel's whiskey over the sugar‑coated bacon. Bake for 12‑15 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized. Remove and let cool, then break into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Make Jack Daniel's Syrup
In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/4 cup Jack Daniel's, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon butter. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 3‑4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Assemble and Bake
Drizzle the Jack Daniel's syrup evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish. Sprinkle the candy‑bacon pieces on top, then add an extra handful of shredded cheddar for a golden crust. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 10‑12 minutes, until the top is bubbling and lightly browned.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 950
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 71 g
- Fat
- 58 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑calorie, Indulgent, Contains alcohol, Not suitable for vegetarians, Not suitable for vegans
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Shell pasta, cavatappi
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, ghee
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, evaporated milk
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Aged Gouda, Gruyère
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Cheese Curds: Cubed mozzarella
- Instead of Bacon Strips: Turkey bacon
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Turbinado sugar, maple syrup
- Instead of Jack Daniel's Whiskey: Bourbon, rum
- Instead of Salt: soy sauce (use less)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Sriracha, chipotle sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking Dish
- Oven
- Baking Sheet (optional)
- Tongs
- Thermometer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the roux without burning it.
- Ensuring the candy bacon caramelizes without burning.
- Baking until the top is bubbling but not over‑browned.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for both flavor depth and stretch.
- Reserve a splash of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency.
- For extra smoky flavor, use applewood‑smoked bacon.
Troubleshooting
Cheese sauce is grainy or lumpy.
Whisk continuously while adding milk and cream; if lumps form, use an immersion blender to smooth the sauce.
Candy bacon is too sticky or burns.
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and watch closely; spread the bacon on parchment to prevent sticking.
Top of the mac and cheese is not browning.
Increase oven temperature to 400°F for the last 3‑4 minutes or finish under the broiler, watching to avoid burning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F until hot.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for longer than 2 hours due to dairy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 2 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; reheat gently before mixing with pasta.
- Candy bacon can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Jack Daniel's syrup keeps well in the fridge for 1 week; reheat briefly before drizzling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of loaded mac and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Mac and cheese originated in the United States in the early 20th century as a simple, affordable comfort dish. Over time, American chefs have turned it into a canvas for indulgent toppings like bacon, cheese curds, and even alcohol‑infused sauces, reflecting a culture of excess and creativity in comfort food.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
Regional twists include Southern baked mac with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, New England lobster mac, and the Midwest’s cheese‑curd‑laden “poutine‑style” mac. Each version showcases local ingredients and preferences, from seafood to dairy‑rich curds.
How is Epic Meal Time’s candy bacon Jack Daniels mac and cheese traditionally served on the channel?
On Epic Meal Time, the dish is presented as a massive, gooey casserole piled high with crispy bacon, a sweet‑spiked Jack Daniels glaze, and a mountain of melted cheese, often filmed with dramatic close‑ups and a final bite taken with a forkful the size of a hand.
What occasions or celebrations is loaded mac and cheese like this typically associated with in American culture?
Hearty, loaded mac and cheese is a popular choice for game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, and late‑night binge‑watch sessions, where its indulgent nature fits the casual, festive atmosphere.
What makes Epic Meal Time’s candy bacon Jack Daniels mac and cheese special compared to regular mac and cheese?
The addition of candy‑bacon caramelized with brown sugar and Jack Daniels creates a sweet‑savory contrast, while the extra cheese curds add a squeaky texture. This combination pushes the dish far beyond the classic comfort version into a spectacle of flavor and excess.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Epic Meal Time candy bacon Jack Daniels mac and cheese?
Common errors include over‑cooking the roux, which can taste burnt; letting the sugar on the bacon burn, turning it bitter; and under‑baking the casserole, resulting in a soggy top. Follow the critical steps and watch the oven closely.
Why does this recipe use a butter‑flour roux instead of simply adding cheese to milk?
The roux creates a stable thickening base that prevents the cheese sauce from separating, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture that can hold the heavy toppings without becoming greasy.
Can I make the candy bacon Jack Daniels mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the cheese sauce and candy bacon up to step 5, then refrigerate each component separately. Assemble and bake just before serving. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
What does the YouTube channel Epic Meal Time specialize in?
The YouTube channel Epic Meal Time specializes in creating ultra‑indulgent, high‑calorie dishes that combine massive amounts of meat, cheese, and novelty ingredients, often presented with high‑energy editing and comedic commentary.
How does the YouTube channel Epic Meal Time’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Epic Meal Time focuses on excess and spectacle, using extreme ingredient quantities, flamboyant presentations, and a comedic, fast‑paced style, whereas most cooking channels aim for balanced, everyday recipes with a focus on technique and health.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
