Imagine the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe! It’s the perfect blend of gooey cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crispy, golden topping that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort: This mac and cheese is like a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly better after a long day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or discerning adults, this recipe is sure to win hearts. It’s a classic for a reason!
- Versatile: While it’s perfect as is, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add some bacon, throw in some veggies, or experiment with different cheeses.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese. Its shape is perfect for holding onto all that cheesy goodness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Flour: Works with the butter to create a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: The base of our cheese sauce. The combination creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Sharp Cheddar and Gruyere Cheese: The star of the show! These cheeses melt beautifully and provide a complex, tangy flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crispy topping.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crumble some crispy bacon on top for a smoky twist.
- Veggie Mac: Add some steamed broccoli or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Spicy Mac: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
- Truffle Mac: Drizzle some truffle oil over the top for a gourmet touch.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the macaroni in salted water until it’s just shy of al dente. Remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven, so we don’t want to overdo it here.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, create a roux with butter and flour. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until you have a smooth, thick sauce. Then, add in most of the cheese (save some for topping) and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and pour into a baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and the panko breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce. Take the extra few minutes to shred your own – it’s worth it!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Aim for about a minute less than the package instructions for perfect al dente pasta.
- Let It Rest: Give your mac and cheese about 10 minutes to cool after baking. This helps the sauce set up a bit, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve
This Baked Mac and Cheese is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round it out, try serving it with:
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness
- Some garlic bread for extra carb-loading goodness
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a pop of color and nutrition
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While cheddar and gruyere make a fantastic combination, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.
Why is my sauce grainy?
This can happen if the cheese is added to the sauce when it’s too hot. Try removing the sauce from heat before adding the cheese, and make sure to stir constantly as you add it.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The mac and cheese is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. If you’re unsure, give it a little shake – the center shouldn’t be too jiggly.
This Baked Mac and Cheese is more than just a recipe – it’s a hug in a casserole dish. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together, whether for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends. So go ahead, give it a try. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
Print
Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese. This classic dish features a perfect blend of sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses, enveloping tender elbow macaroni in a rich, velvety sauce. Topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs, this baked version elevates the beloved stovetop favorite to new heights of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (141g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720mL) whole milk
- 1 cup (240mL) heavy cream
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 10 ounces (283g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10 ounces (283g) gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (60g) panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, but about 1 minute less than the full cook time for al dente texture. Drain well and place in a large mixing bowl. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the cheese sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt ½ cup of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 2-3 minutes until it smells nutty. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking continuously. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove from heat.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Reserve 1/2 cup of each cheese for the topping. Stir the remaining cheese, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Pour this mixture over the pasta and stir until well coated.
- Prepare for baking: Grease a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared dish.
- Create the topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until light golden brown. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the pasta, then top with the toasted breadcrumbs. Bake for 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for better melting properties.
- Salt the pasta water generously for flavor, and save some for reheating leftovers or other culinary uses.
- Slightly undercook the pasta to ensure it remains al dente after baking.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
