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Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

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Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, beloved by people of all ages. Whether it’s a side dish at a holiday meal or a hearty weeknight dinner, baked mac and cheese always hits the spot. This recipe offers a creamy, cheesy center with a golden, crunchy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect baked macaroni and cheese from scratch!

baked mac and cheese with crispy topping

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Why Baked Mac and Cheese?

Sure, stovetop mac and cheese is delicious, but there’s something special about the baked version. The oven transforms this humble dish into a crispy, gooey masterpiece with rich flavors and textures. Baked mac and cheese also holds up better as leftovers, making it a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to get creative with toppings and mix-ins.

Ingredients to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

To make this classic baked macaroni and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra gooeyness)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for a slight tang)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but it adds great flavor)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This forms a roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.

butter and flour rue to make sauce

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the mixture, whisking often, until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

milk added to rue and whisked

Reduce the heat to low and start adding the cheeses. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella. Add the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

cheese and pasta added to milk mixture

Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

panko, butter, parmesan topping added to macaroni and cheese

Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

baked macaroni and cheese fresh out of the oven

Customization Tips

One of the best things about baked mac and cheese is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas for customizing your dish:

  • Add proteins: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
  • Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or even caramelized onions to add some greens.
  • Spice it up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
  • Change up the cheese: Use a blend of cheeses like Gruyere, fontina, or gouda for a more complex flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Baked macaroni and cheese is great for leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave it for a quicker option. If you want to revive the crispy topping, add a bit more buttered breadcrumbs before reheating.

Conclusion

Baked macaroni and cheese is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. Whether you keep it classic or add your own creative twists, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Perfectly cheesy with just the right amount of crunch, it’s the ideal way to satisfy any craving for hearty, homemade goodness.

Now that you have the ultimate recipe, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the best baked mac and cheese you’ve ever had! Like this recipe? I would appreciate a 5-star rating. As always, thanks for stopping by!

baked macaroni and cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

dani
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, beloved by people of all ages. Whether it’s a side dish at a holiday meal or a hearty weeknight dinner, baked mac and cheese always hits the spot.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 506 kcal

Equipment

  • heavy bottom sauce pan
  • pasta pot
  • Small bowl
  • cheese grater
  • whisk
  • measuring cups/spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for extra gooeyness)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for a slight tang)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs (for extra crunch)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This forms a roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.
  • Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the mixture, whisking often, until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and start adding the cheeses. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella. Add the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Add the Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Notes

*Calories are approximate per cup
Customization Tips
One of the best things about baked mac and cheese is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas for customizing your dish:
  • Add proteins: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
  • Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or even caramelized onions to add some greens.
  • Spice it up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
  • Change up the cheese: Use a blend of cheeses like Gruyere, fontina, or gouda for a more complex flavor.
Keyword comfort food, holiday side dish, mac and cheese, pasta recipe

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