Introduction
Nothing beats the comforting taste of Baked Mac and Cheese – a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a crispy golden crust! This recipe brings together tender elbow macaroni, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and a buttery breadcrumb topping for the ultimate comfort food.
Perfect for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or meal prep, this easy, from-scratch baked mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Creamy & Cheesy – A blend of cheeses makes the sauce extra rich.
✔️ Perfectly Baked – The top gets golden brown and crispy while the inside stays creamy.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple steps with no complicated techniques.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Works as a main dish or a side dish for gatherings.
-Ingredients
For the Pasta:
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Cheese Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns light golden brown.
3. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.
6. Reduce the heat to low, then add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta & Cheese Sauce
1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
1. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let the baked mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy with your favorite sides or as a main dish!
-Serving Suggestions
With Grilled Chicken or BBQ Ribs – A hearty pairing.
With Roasted Vegetables – Adds a healthy touch.
Topped with Crispy Bacon – For an extra indulgence.
️ With Hot Sauce or Jalapeños – Adds a spicy kick!
-Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Use high-quality cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Don’t overbake – Bake just until the top is golden to prevent drying out.
Use whole milk & heavy cream – Creates the creamiest texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta – It will finish cooking in the oven.
Customize it! – Add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or even lobster for a gourmet twist.
-Variations & Flavor Twists
1. Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
Add diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Sprinkle pepper jack cheese into the mix.
2. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Stir in shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy, tangy flavor.
Top with blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
3. Bacon & Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Use smoked gouda for a deep, smoky taste.
Stir in crispy bacon bits before baking.
4. Truffle Mac and Cheese
Add 1 teaspoon truffle oil to the cheese sauce.
Use gruyère and Parmesan for an upscale twist.
-Storage & Reheating Tips
❄️ Store leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later – Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Add a splash of milk and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
2. Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Shells, cavatappi, or penne work great.
3. Can I make this without baking?
Yes! If you prefer stovetop mac and cheese, simply skip the oven and enjoy right after mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce.
4. What’s the best cheese combination?
For the creamiest and most flavorful mac and cheese, use:
Sharp cheddar (classic flavor)
Mozzarella (melts smoothly)
Parmesan (adds depth)
Gruyère or gouda (for a unique twist)
-Final Thoughts
This Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy! Whether you’re making it for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this comforting dish is guaranteed to impress.
Try it today and enjoy a rich, homemade mac and cheese that’s better than anything from a box! ️