PERFECT BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Imagine the satisfying sound of a spoon scraping the bottom of a dish filled with bubbling, golden-brown cheese and perfectly cooked pasta – that’s what awaits you with this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a symphony of creamy, cheesy goodness baked to perfection, guaranteed to become a family favorite, and I promise to guide you through every step to achieve mac and cheese nirvana!

The Magic Starts Here: Gathering Your Ingredients

Pasta Power

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape!)

The Cheese Sauce Dream Team

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a warm touch)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference!)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (for a nutty, sophisticated flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping It Off

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs are fantastic for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Part 1: The Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, but cook it al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to be mushy!
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Part 2: The Cheese Sauce – The Heart of the Matter!

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce. It should look like wet sand.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps as you go. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. This may take 5-7 minutes. Be patient!
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Add the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Troubleshooting Tip: If your sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and cook over low heat until thickened.

Part 3: Combining and Baking – The Grand Finale!

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine. Make sure all the pasta is coated in that glorious cheese sauce.
2. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
5. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set up a bit, making it easier to serve.

Cheese, Please! Choosing Your Cheese Wisely

The type of cheese you use can dramatically impact the flavor of your Baked Mac and Cheese. While cheddar is a classic, don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas:

• Sharp Cheddar: Adds a bold, tangy flavor.
• Medium Cheddar: A more mellow cheddar option, great for a balanced flavor.
• Gruyere: Nutty and slightly sweet, adds depth and complexity.
• Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
• Gouda: Smoked gouda can add a delicious smoky flavor.
• Provolone: A mild, slightly sweet cheese that melts well.

Feel free to mix and match different cheeses to create your own signature blend! I often add a little bit of pepper jack for a slight kick.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Once you’ve mastered the basic Baked Mac and Cheese recipe, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese before baking.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in shredded cooked chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Top with blue cheese crumbles before baking.
• Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and bacon to the mac and cheese.
• Lobster Mac and Cheese: Add cooked lobster meat to the mac and cheese for a decadent treat.
• Vegetarian Mac and Cheese: Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers.

Make-Ahead Magic

Baked Mac and Cheese is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the mac and cheese according to the recipe, but don’t bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Baked Mac and Cheese is a fantastic side dish or a hearty main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
• Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Make it a potluck favorite – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

If you’re looking for other comforting side dishes, you might enjoy my Scalloped Potatoes or a Twice Baked Potato Casserole. For an even cheesier experience, try my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. And if you want another easy baked pasta dish, check out my Chicken Pasta Bake. You can also find another version of Baked Mac And Cheese and another recipe for Baked Mac And Cheese on my site!

Tips and Tricks for Mac and Cheese Perfection

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is the way to go.
• Grate your own cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Use a good quality cheese. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the final dish.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and flavor combinations.
• If you want a creamier mac and cheese, you can add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
• For a crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last few minutes of baking, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Enjoy Your Cheesy Creation!

There you have it – the ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting and delicious dish as much as I do. Remember to have fun in the kitchen, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, share your cheesy masterpiece with the people you love!

Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s baked to golden-brown perfection. Made with a blend of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. It is perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main course.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Small bowl
• Oven
• Cheese grater

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, but cook it al dente.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps as you go. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly (5-7 minutes).
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
8. Add the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.
10. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter.
12. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
14. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is best. Grate your own cheese for optimal melting. Experiment with different cheese combinations such as Monterey Jack, Gouda or Provolone. For a creamier mac and cheese, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese. For a crispier topping, broil for the last few minutes. Mac and cheese can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerated, and baked later, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.