Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to the table. With creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni, it’s a favorite dish for all ages. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to please everyone in the family.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Baked Macaroni and Cheese at home is not only easy, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. It’s the perfect dish for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Plus, who doesn’t love a generous serving of gooey cheese? This recipe is satisfying and delicious, making it a great choice for any occasion.

How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Baked Macaroni and Cheese that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 cups whole milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 pound cooked elbow macaroni
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• Chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, placing the rack in the middle.
2. In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
3. Once melted, add 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring for about 3 minutes until thickened.
4. Slowly whisk in 5 cups whole milk, adding a little at a time for a thicker sauce.
5. Stir in 2 cups grated cheddar cheese and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Add 2 teaspoons salt, pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the sauce. Mix well.
7. Stir in 1 pound cooked elbow macaroni until fully coated with the cheese sauce.
8. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Top with 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup parmesan cheese.
10. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish.

How to Serve Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Serve Baked Macaroni and Cheese hot from the oven. It pairs nicely with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

How to Store Baked Macaroni and Cheese

To store, let the macaroni and cheese cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor; mozzarella and gouda work great.
• Add some cooked bacon or chopped vegetables for extra texture and taste.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly undercooked since it will bake further in the oven.

Variation

For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes, like shells or penne, for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While whole milk provides a creamier texture, you can use low-fat milk. However, the sauce may not be as rich.

3. Can I freeze Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes! Once cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food featuring creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cheese Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 cups whole milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Macaroni

• 1 pound cooked elbow macaroni Use slightly undercooked.

Toppings

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese For topping.
• Chopped flat leaf parsley For garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), placing the rack in the middle.
• In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Once melted, add all-purpose flour, stirring for about 3 minutes until thickened.
• Slowly whisk in whole milk, adding a little at a time for a thicker sauce.
• Stir in grated cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted.
• Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, and nutmeg to the sauce. Mix well.
• Stir in cooked elbow macaroni until fully coated with the cheese sauce.
• Transfer the macaroni mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.

Baking

• Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serving

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish.

Notes

For a crunchy texture, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking. You can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Once cooled, it can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Keyword Baked Macaroni and Cheese, cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family Recipe