Print

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

This classic baked mac and cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden finish. Perfect as a comforting main dish or a satisfying side, it’s easy to prepare and packed with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses are fully melted into a creamy sauce. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  3. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure all pasta is evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crust.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the baked mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set for the best texture.

Notes

  • For a richer and more complex flavor, consider mixing in cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
  • Letting the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving improves texture and flavor melding.
  • Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky twist.
  • Mix in steamed broccoli or peas to add color and nutritional value.
  • To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Grate your own cheese to improve meltability and flavor versus pre-shredded options.
  • Do not overcook the pasta as it will cook further in the oven.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a touch of heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked, cheese, comfort food, mac and cheese, pasta, cheddar, mozzarella, casserole

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/