This Baked Mac and Cheese is a warm hug in a bowl! Creamy cheese sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta, then it’s baked until golden and bubbly on top.
What’s better than cheesy pasta? I always keep extra for later, but who am I kidding? It’s too yummy to last long in my house! 🧀
Making this dish is super easy. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! I love adding breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping. Perfect for cheesy cravings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can substitute it with any small pasta like shells, cavatappi, or fusilli. Just make sure the pasta can hold onto that cheesy goodness!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a cheese blend. I sometimes use a little blue cheese for a fun twist!
Milk: While whole milk is preferred for creaminess, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk for a lighter version. Just know that lighter milks may change the sauce’s texture slightly.
Butter and Flour (Roux): This combo creates your cheese sauce base. If you want to lighten it up, consider using olive oil and cornstarch instead. You just won’t get the same rich flavor from the roux.
Breadcrumbs: They’re optional, but I highly recommend using panko for extra crunch! You could also use crushed crackers or a sprinkle of crushed potato chips for a fun twist.
How Do You Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce can be tricky, but following a few steps will help you avoid lumps:
- Start with a roux by cooking butter and flour together until they’re lightly golden. This helps thicken your sauce.
- Slowly add cold milk to the roux while whisking continuously. This prevents clumps from forming.
- Cook the sauce on medium heat, whisking often until it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Once thickened, lower the heat and stir in the cheese until melted. If you add it too fast, it may clump up – so be patient!
Following these tips ensures that you get a creamy, delicious sauce for your baked mac and cheese every time!
How to Make Baked Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of color and flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Baked Mac and Cheese will take about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes for prep and cooking the pasta, and then 20-25 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your mouth on that cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your mac and cheese bakes evenly!
2. Cook the Macaroni:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once done, drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes while whisking constantly until it turns a beautiful light golden color.
4. Add the Milk:
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. This step is key to avoid lumps in your sauce. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens and can coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Stir in the Cheese:
Lower the heat and start adding 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is all melted and the sauce is smooth. Yum!
6. Season the Sauce:
Now, season your cheese sauce with the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add your drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Mix it well so that every piece of pasta is coated with that luscious cheese sauce. It’s about to get super cheesy!
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar casserole dish). Spread it evenly so it bakes nicely.
9. Add Extra Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Because you can never have too much cheese, right?
10. Optional Crunchy Topping:
If you want a delicious crunch on top, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the mac and cheese.
11. Bake It!
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly cheese and a golden brown top—now that’s what you want to see!
12. Let it Cool:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your baked mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before diving in. This helps it set a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese! Perfect for cozy meals or gatherings with family and friends.
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you select!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free baked mac and cheese, simply swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. You can also check the labels on your cheese and breadcrumbs to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. If it’s too cold, it may take longer to bake!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or pop it back in the oven. If it looks a bit dry, adding a splash of milk while reheating can help restore its creaminess!
