Baked Mac and Cheese is a warm and cheesy dish that everyone loves! It has soft pasta mixed with a creamy cheese sauce and is baked to a golden finish. Yum!
This dish is perfect for sharing, and honestly, who can resist that melty cheese on top? I love to add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch—it makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic pasta for mac and cheese. If you’re looking for a different shape, try cavatappi, shells, or fusilli. They all hold the cheese sauce well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. You can mix it with Monterey Jack or even Gouda for a unique taste. If you want a milder flavor, go for mild cheddar or use a combination.
Milk: Whole milk makes this dish creamy, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for lighter versions. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and unflavored!
Breadcrumbs: They add a nice crunch! If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko work well. For a gluten-free option, seek gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether.
How Do You Make the Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
The sauce is key to a good baked mac and cheese. Here’s how to ensure it turns out smooth:
- Make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour—this thickens the sauce.
- Cook the roux for only 2 minutes to avoid a raw flour taste, and keep whisking!
- Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. This keeps it creamy!
- Cook it until it coats the back of a spoon; this tells you it’s thick enough.
Remember, patience is important! If you rush, it might turn out lumpy. Enjoy your cooking!
Baked Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 1/2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tsp dried parsley or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked mac and cheese recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a cheesy, warm dish ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping for Baking:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter or spray a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cooking the Pasta:
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the elbow macaroni, and cook it until it’s just al dente, about 7 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Making the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When it’s melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook this for about 2 minutes while continuously whisking until it’s slightly golden but not browned.
4. Adding the Milk:
Now, slowly whisk in the milk while stirring to keep it smooth. Cook and stir often until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Mixing in the Cheese:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika or cayenne if you’d like a little kick.
6. Combining with Pasta:
Carefully add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until everything is well combined.
7. Preparing for Baking:
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If you’d like, add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping!
8. Baking:
Place the baking dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra touch, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
9. Serving:
Once it’s done, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you like, garnish it with dried or fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your classic, creamy, perfectly baked mac and cheese topped with a golden cheesy crust!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just ensure you have enough cheese to maintain that creamy texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Mac and Cheese?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the mac and cheese, but don’t bake it right away. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving it with a side of buffalo chicken or pulled pork!
