Alright, my friends, it’s time to dive into the ultimate comfort food classic — baked mac and cheese! 🧀 This isn’t your average mac and cheese, though. Nope, we’re talking about a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and downright craveable dish that’s going to have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). 🤤 Get ready to experience the perfect marriage of gooey cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crispy, golden topping that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. 💃 Let’s do this!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese
Mmm, where do I even begin? 🤔 This baked mac and cheese is the stuff dreams are made of, my friends. It’s the ultimate cozy, comforting meal that’ll warm you up from the inside out. 🔥 The creamy, velvety cheese sauce is made with a blend of sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. 💥
And the crispy, golden breadcrumb topping? 🥖 It adds the perfect contrast of texture, making every forkful a delightful experience. 😋 If you’re into mastering ultra-creamy cheese sauces and comfort-food classics, you might enjoy this guide to perfect cheese sauce techniques from Serious Eats.
Trust me, once you try this baked mac and cheese, you’ll be hooked for life!
Key Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Okay, let’s talk about how to make this baked mac and cheese the absolute best it can be. 🧠 First and foremost, the key to success is all in the cheese sauce. You want to make sure you’ve got the perfect ratio of creaminess and cheesiness, and that’s where my top-secret trick comes in. 🤫 The #1 trick for better flavor and texture is to use a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. 🧀 This creates a velvety, indulgent sauce that’ll have everyone begging for more.
- Biggest Mistake to Avoid — Now, the biggest mistake you want to avoid is overcooking the pasta. 🚫 No one likes mushy, soggy macaroni, so be sure to cook it just until it’s al dente. That way, it’ll hold its shape and texture even after baking.
- The #1 Trick for Better Flavor/Texture — As I mentioned, the secret to an epic baked mac and cheese is in the cheese sauce. 🔑 By using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, you get the perfect balance of sharp, tangy flavor and gooey, melty goodness. 🤤 Trust me, this little trick is a total game-changer!
- Don’t Forget the Crunch — For an extra crispy, golden topping, try sprinkling some panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the mac and cheese before baking. 🥖 You can also add a drizzle of melted butter or olive oil to help the topping get nice and crispy.
What to Serve With Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese is definitely a main dish showstopper, but it also makes a killer side. 🍽️ Pair it with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal. 🥗 Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it alongside some juicy grilled burgers or tender BBQ ribs. 🍔 And don’t forget the drinks! A cold, refreshing iced tea or lemonade is the perfect pairing. 🥤
- Salad — A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the mac and cheese. 🥗
- Grilled Meats — This baked mac and cheese is a fantastic side dish for all your grilled favorites, like burgers, steak, or chicken. 🍖
- Crusty Bread — A warm, crusty baguette or roll is great for sopping up any extra cheese sauce. 🥖
- Refreshing Drinks — Iced tea, lemonade, or even a crisp white wine are all lovely options to balance out the richness. 🥤
When to serve it: This baked mac and cheese is a total crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even game day gatherings. 🎉
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s gather up the ingredients for this baked mac and cheese masterpiece. 🛒 You’ll need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. 👌 Of course, you can always get creative and throw in some extra goodies like bacon, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. 🔥
- 8 oz (227g) — Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp (56g) — Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (31g) — All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) — Whole milk
- 2 cups (226g) — Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (113g) — Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)
- Cheddar Cheese → Gruyère or Parmesan (still delicious, promise) ✅
- Mozzarella Cheese → Monterey Jack and Parmesan (easy dietary swap) 👍
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff — how to make this epic baked mac and cheese. 🍽️ First, you’ll want to cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, making sure to keep it al dente. 🍝 While that’s happening, you’ll whip up the creamy, cheesy sauce on the stovetop. 🧑🍳 Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, then slowly add the milk, letting it thicken to perfection. 🥣 Once that’s done, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until it’s all melted and smooth. 🧀 Then, it’s time to combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce in a baking dish, top it with some crispy breadcrumbs, and pop it in the oven until it’s golden and bubbly. 🔥 Trust me, the aroma alone will have you drooling!
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 🍴 Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, making sure to stop just short of al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 🧈 Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. 🧹 Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. 🥛 Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy. 🧀
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. 🍝 Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with a layer of crispy breadcrumbs. 🍞 Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. 🔥
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Let the baked mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. 🍽️ This will help the sauce thicken up and set, making it even more delicious and easy to scoop. 👌 Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions if desired. 🌿
Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)
Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.
- Add a Kick of Heat — How about adding a kick of heat with some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper? 🌶️
- Go Smoky — Try throwing in some crumbled bacon or chorizo for a delicious smoky twist. 🥓
- Crunchy Topping — Top it with a layer of crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy finish. 🧅
- Get Creative — The possibilities are endless, my friends! Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite mix-ins. 🎉
Warning: “Just one more bite” is basically guaranteed. 😅🍴
Print
BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a blend of cheeses, a crunchy topping, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon or diced tomatoes to the macaroni before baking.
Adjust the cheese types according to your preference for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Burgers, Melts & Sandwiches 🍔
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Serving & Storage
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best Serving Ideas | Serve this baked mac and cheese as a main dish, or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. 🍽️ It also makes a delicious side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. 🍖 |
| Fridge Storage | Store any leftover baked mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 🧊 The mac and cheese will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. |
| Freezer Storage | To freeze, let the baked mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or dish. 🥶 Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. The frozen mac and cheese will keep for 2-3 months. |
| Reheating (Microwave) | When ready to reheat, transfer the mac and cheese to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. 🔥 |
| Reheating (Oven/Air Fryer) | For a crispy top, reheat the mac and cheese in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. 🔥 You can also reheat it in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. |
| Make-Ahead Tips | You can assemble the mac and cheese up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and enjoy! 🧠 |
Nutrition Notes
This baked mac and cheese is definitely a comfort food indulgence, but hey, we all need those once in a while, right? 🤗 Each serving packs a hefty dose of protein and calcium from the cheese, as well as a good amount of carbs from the pasta. 💪 Of course, it’s not the lightest dish, but when you’re craving something truly satisfying and delicious, this baked mac and cheese is the way to go. 😋 Just remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and you’ll be good to go!
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 39 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
Quick Questions People Always Ask
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can definitely use other types of short pasta, like penne, shells, or cavatappi. 🍝 Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this baked mac and cheese ahead of time! 👍 Simply assemble the dish, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and you’re good to go.
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Definitely! Baked mac and cheese freezes beautifully. 🧊 Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or dish. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven.
Can I add other ingredients to the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! This baked mac and cheese is a great canvas for all sorts of delicious add-ins. 🌶️ Try stirring in some diced bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a few handfuls of fresh spinach for a nutritional boost. 🥦 The options are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy, golden topping, try sprinkling some panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the mac and cheese before baking. 🥖 You can also add a drizzle of melted butter or olive oil to help the topping get nice and crispy.