Description

This is the ultimate comfort food mash-up you never knew you needed but will crave forever: Bacon Ranch Mac & Cheese Quesadilla. It’s creamy, cheesy mac and cheese (with a hit of smoky bacon and zesty ranch) stuffed between two golden, crispy tortillas and grilled to melty perfection. It’s like your childhood favorite met your guilty-pleasure takeout and decided to throw a cheese party. It’s perfect for lazy dinners, game-day snacks, or anytime you want something over-the-top, ooey-gooey, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac & Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (or more to taste)
Salt + pepper to taste

For the Quesadillas:

8 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
4 large flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups additional shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend)
Butter or oil for the skillet

For Serving (Optional but Delicious):

Ranch dressing for dipping
Hot sauce or sriracha
Green onions or jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mac & Cheese

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and ranch seasoning until smooth and melty.
Fold in the cooked macaroni and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Build the Quesadillas

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly butter one side of a tortilla.
Place buttered side down in the skillet.
Layer with:
— A sprinkle of shredded cheese
— A generous scoop of ranch mac & cheese
— Crumbled bacon
— More cheese on top
Top with a second tortilla (buttered side up).

Step 3: Cook Until Golden and Melty

Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3–4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side.
Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Let quesadillas cool for a minute or two, then slice into wedges.
Serve with ranch dressing, hot sauce, or whatever your heart desires.

Notes

Pair with a simple green salad or crispy fries.
Serve with pickles or slaw for a tangy contrast.
Perfect for movie nights, game days, or midnight snacks.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~520 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~32g
Protein: ~22g