Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic that combines creamy cheese sauce with tender macaroni, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or a satisfying side dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce before baking.
• Try mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavor.
• Use seasoned panko or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb topping for a smoky twist.
• Swap mozzarella for gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.

Storage

Store leftover baked mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through to retain the crispy topping, or microwave covered in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is al dente.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Make sure the breadcrumbs are also gluten-free or omit them for topping.

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 82 reviews

This classic Baked Mac and Cheese features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy, rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is perfect as a hearty main or a satisfying side.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved from above)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light golden to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Create Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
5. Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then add the panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to set and enhance flavor.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, substitute 1 cup of milk with heavy cream.
• Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor or mild cheddar for a milder taste.
• Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs.
• To add a smoky twist, sprinkle some smoked paprika or add crispy bacon bits before baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, easy dinner, cheesy pasta bake