Here’s a creamy, cheesy, and comforting Baked Mac and Cheese recipe—classic comfort food at its best. 🧀🍝
🧀 Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) Elbow Macaroni
- Salt for boiling water
For the cheese sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 tsp Mustard Powder (optional, adds flavor)
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
For the topping
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Butter, melted
- Optional: ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water 1–2 minutes less than package directions (al dente).
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
3️⃣ Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Mix cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4️⃣ Add Topping
- Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan (if using).
- Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
5️⃣ Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until top is golden and crispy.
6️⃣ Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
✅ Tips
- For extra gooey mac, add ½ cup cream cheese to the sauce.
- Mix in bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables for variety.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
If you want, I can also share a quick 15-minute stove-to-oven baked mac and cheese recipe that’s ultra-creamy and doesn’t require making a roux separately.
Do you want me to share that quick version?
