Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that brings joy to the table. With its creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping, this dish is loved by both kids and adults. Whether you are having a family dinner or just craving something cheesy, this recipe is a great choice.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Baked Mac and Cheese. First, it is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it combines the goodness of pasta with rich cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Lastly, you can customize it with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
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 is best (followed by cheddar and Colby) (Note 2)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or more of other cheese of choice) (Note 2)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Directions
Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Topping:
2. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt. Set this aside as a topping.
Sauce (video is helpful):
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the warmed milk while continuing to whisk. Cook until thickened.
5. Stir in the gruyere cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder until the cheese melts.
Assembling:
6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat.
7. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the panko topping on top.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Serve Baked Mac and Cheese hot from the oven. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side. It pairs well with salads, vegetables, or grilled meats. Feel free to sprinkle some parsley or extra cheese on top for added flavor.
How to Store Baked Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Tips to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors.
- For a little extra kick, add cooked bacon or jalapeños.
Variation
You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients. You can also switch up the pasta shapes to your liking, such as penne or shells.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cheese sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought cheese sauce to save time. Just mix it with the cooked macaroni and skip the sauce-making step.
2. Can I freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it. Once cooled, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. How can I make it spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to spice it up. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Let’s get cooking and savor the deliciousness of Baked Mac and Cheese!
Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
Topping
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs Note 1
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter or 2 tsp oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed, low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese, gruyere is best (followed by cheddar and Colby) Note 2
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or more of other cheese of choice) Note 2
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
Pasta
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Topping
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt. Set this aside as a topping.
Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the warmed milk while continuing to whisk. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in the gruyere cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder until the cheese melts.
Assembling
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the panko topping on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
