If there’s one dish that never fails to bring comfort and satisfaction, it’s definitely baked mac and cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy golden crust, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or bringing something special to a potluck, this baked mac and cheese recipe is guaranteed to steal the show. It’s the kind of comfort food you can’t help but crave, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This baked mac and cheese is everything you want in a cheesy pasta dish. The creamy cheese sauce envelops the pasta in rich, velvety goodness, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast in texture. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and it’s loaded with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent but is still simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite cheese or add in extras like bacon or breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crunch!
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients is available at the end of this post)
- Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk (whole milk is best, but you can use 2% if you prefer)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (a sharp variety works great!)
- Mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess)
- Parmesan cheese (for added depth of flavor)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread crumbs (for the topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni (or any short pasta of your choice) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this will thicken your sauce). Slowly add in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Cheese
Once your sauce has thickened, turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheesy sauce and stir until every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Make sure the pasta is fully incorporated with the sauce, then transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish (an 8×8-inch dish works perfectly).
5. Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. The butter will help the breadcrumbs get nice and crispy as it bakes.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. If you like an extra crispy topping, you can place it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, but be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the mac and cheese is baked to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy a bowl of comforting, cheesy goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make it extra creamy: For a richer sauce, you can add a little cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce. This will make it extra creamy and indulgent!
- Cheese variety: Experiment with different cheeses! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can mix in gouda, Gruyère, or even fontina for a more complex flavor profile.
- Crunchy topping: If you love extra crunch, consider adding a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. The panko gives an extra crispy texture.
- Add-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or even sautéed spinach for a twist on the classic recipe.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
- Vegetarian Version: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can make it even more veggie-packed by adding in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Spicy Mac and Cheese: If you like a little heat, stir in some chopped jalapeños, or add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Baked mac and cheese is a meal all on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of sides for a more balanced dinner:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower for a nice contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Garlic Bread: Nothing beats the combination of cheesy pasta and buttery, garlicky bread. A slice of garlic bread would complement this dish perfectly.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the mac and cheese. Try arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce or reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. For a crispy topping, you can place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also freeze mac and cheese for up to 2-3 months. Just let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and store it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the mac and cheese and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed.
2. What cheese is best for mac and cheese?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but a blend of cheeses works great! Try mixing in mozzarella for creaminess, Parmesan for a savory kick, and Gruyère or fontina for extra depth of flavor.
3. How do I make the topping crispy?
To get a crispy topping, make sure to use buttered breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown. For extra crunch, you can also add panko breadcrumbs and even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta you prefer! Penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi work wonderfully as alternatives to elbow macaroni.
Conclusion
Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy, golden topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe is easy to make, super customizable, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a special treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavor.
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Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy golden crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, comforting, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for the topping)
- 1 tbsp butter (for the topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your choice of short pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. -
Add the Cheese:
Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra flavor. -
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat every piece in the creamy cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. -
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. For extra crunch, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
- Extra Creamy Version: Add cream cheese or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Try mixing in gouda, Gruyère, or fontina for a more complex flavor.
- Add-ins: Add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or spinach for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg