Baked Mac and Cheese is a cozy, cheesy dish that makes you feel like a kid again! With tender pasta covered in a creamy cheese sauce, it’s pure comfort food.
The crispy topping is the best part—who doesn’t love a little crunch with all that gooey goodness? I always make extra because it disappears fast! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds onto the cheese sauce well. If you can’t find elbow macaroni, any small pasta like shells or cavatappi creates a great texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor that stands out. If you want it milder, go for medium cheddar or even a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or gouda, for a unique twist.
Milk: Whole milk makes a rich sauce, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat if preferred. Just be sure they’re unsweetened and unflavored.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love panko for its light, crispy texture on the topping. Regular breadcrumbs work too, though they won’t be as crunchy.
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is key to great mac and cheese. Start by creating a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until thickened (5-7 minutes).
- Once thick, lower the heat and gradually stir in your shredded cheeses until smooth.
This method ensures your sauce is creamy and well combined, making your mac and cheese absolutely delicious!
Baked Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need 25-30 minutes for baking. A total of around 45-50 minutes from start to finish! Easy and indulgent!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and butter it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain it and set it aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This will create a roux. Now, slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Reduce the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses gradually, stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard powder (if using) for extra flavor.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure all the pasta is coated evenly.
6. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Pour the creamy mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the mac and cheese.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the topping to become golden brown and bubbly! For an extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
9. Let it Rest and Serve:
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help it set up a bit. If you like, you can garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Enjoy your perfectly creamy and crispy baked mac and cheese! It’s a real treat for both kids and adults alike! 🧀
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can mix and match your favorite cheeses. Consider using Gruyère, fontina, or even pepper jack for a little heat! Just ensure you have a good melting cheese in the mix for that creamy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a little different—panko gives a lighter, crunchier topping!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese and assemble it in the baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.