Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This classic Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Gruyere, coated al dente elbow macaroni, and a crunchy golden panko breadcrumb topping. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for family meals or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
Cheese Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 3- or 4-quart baking dish to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni one minute less than package instructions for al dente texture. Drain well, then drizzle with olive oil to coat and prevent sticking. Allow to cool slightly.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until bubbly and lightly golden, creating a roux base.
- Add Dairy: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue whisking as it thickens for about 2 more minutes after bubbling, then season with salt and pepper.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the cheddar and Gruyere cheese mixture until melted and smooth. Add another 2 cups of cheese and whisk until the sauce is thick, creamy, and fully melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooled pasta with the cheese sauce thoroughly to evenly coat all noodles.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Place half of the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 cups of the remaining shredded cheese, then top with the remaining half of the mac and cheese.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, crispy baked mac and cheese!
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a dash of smoked paprika directly into the cheese sauce.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving, making it convenient for parties or meal prepping.
- Using a mix of Gruyere and sharp cheddar balances creamy meltability with rich sharpness.
- Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, creamy mac and cheese, Gruyere, cheddar, baked pasta casserole
Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/
