This Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! With creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta topped with a golden crust, it warms your heart with every bite.
Who doesn’t love digging into a cheesy, gooey dish? I like to add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for that extra crunch. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese! If you’re looking for a twist, try fusilli or penne, which also hold the cheese sauce well.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This gives the dish its rich flavor. You can swap it with mild cheddar if you prefer a milder taste or even combine it with mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Whole Milk: It adds creaminess to the cheese sauce. If you want a lighter version, use low-fat milk or almond milk. Just note that the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted to control the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, a flavorful alternative is olive oil or margarine.
Breadcrumbs: They give a nice crunch on top. If you want to skip them, you can use crushed crackers or simply omit for a softer texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce Is Smooth?
Creating a creamy cheese sauce is key! Start by making a roux—that’s the butter and flour mix. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the roux. Cook for only 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- When adding milk, whisk vigorously to prevent lumps. Gradually incorporate the milk to keep the texture smooth.
- Let the sauce thicken before adding cheese, which helps it melt evenly.
With these steps, your sauce will stay velvety and delicious. Enjoy this comforting dish!
Baked Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
For The Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
For The Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for mixing with breadcrumbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked mac and cheese recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, totaling around 45 minutes. You’ll love how quickly it comes together for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Elbow Macaroni:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and follow the package instructions. You want it al dente, which usually takes around 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk vigorously to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it’s golden and bubbling but not browned. Then, gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
4. Add the Cheese:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Season your cheese sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder if you’re using them. This adds a lovely depth of flavor!
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the delightful cheesy goodness.
6. Pour into Baking Dish:
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. This will create a deliciously gooey crust!
8. Optional Topping:
If you’d like a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle it over the cheese layer.
9. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Let it Rest:
Once you take it out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set a little and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy homemade baked mac and cheese! It’s perfect as a main dish or a comforting side. Dig in!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or monterey jack for a unique flavor. Just make sure to keep a good melting cheese as a base!
How Do I Make It Spicy?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in the roux. The result will still be creamy and delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding a little milk to keep it creamy.
