Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food loved by many. With its creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, it warms your heart and fills your belly. This dish is easy to make and perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just when you want something delicious at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Baked Mac and Cheese from scratch is simple and rewarding. You can customize it with your favorite cheeses and spices. Plus, it’s a great way to bring everyone together, whether you’re sharing a meal with family or hosting friends.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Making Baked Mac and Cheese is straightforward. Just follow these steps to create a cheesy delight that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 250g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter (or 2 tsp oil)
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (Note 1)
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed, low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese, gruyere best (followed by cheddar and Colby) (Note 2)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or more cheese of your choice) (Note 2)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Directions:
Pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
Sauce (video is helpful):
- In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for a minute until it turns a light golden color.
- Gradually add warmed milk while whisking constantly. Cook until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheeses, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
Assembling:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the panko mix.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Serve Baked Mac and Cheese hot from the oven. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or steamed veggies.
How to Store Baked Mac and Cheese
Allow any leftovers to cool before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
- Creamy Texture: For extra creaminess, add some cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
- Add-ins: Consider adding cooked bacon, vegetables, or even some hot sauce for a kick.
Variation
Try adding different toppings such as crushed crackers or spices like paprika. You can also make a “mac and cheese” dish with different pasta shapes like shells or penne.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
Q2: Is it possible to freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it according to the recipe.
Q3: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works well, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a creamier texture.
Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
Topping
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter or 2 tsp oil
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs Note 1
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ tsp salt
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed, low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese, gruyere best followed by cheddar and Colby (Note 2)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese or more cheese of your choice (Note 2)
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
Instructions
Pasta Preparation
- Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Topping Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for a minute until it turns a light golden color.
- Gradually add warmed milk while whisking constantly. Cook until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheeses, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the panko mix.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
