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A close-up featured image shows a delicious, golden-brown Baked Mac and Cheese ready to be served.

Baked Mac and Cheese

This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With a blend of flavorful cheeses and a golden, bubbly topping, this mac and cheese will become a family favorite. It's easy to customize with add-ins like bacon, vegetables, or extra cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs optional
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter for breadcrumb topping, optional
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for cheese topping, optional
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for cheese topping, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer gently until thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack and Fontina cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  7. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  8. If using breadcrumbs, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, and sprinkle over the mac and cheese. If using extra cheese, sprinkle cheddar and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, use whole milk and heavy cream. Do not overbake to prevent dryness. Customize with bacon, ham, vegetables, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture. You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it from drying out.