On This Page Show
Warm up with the ultimate comfort food—Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish is everything you crave in a hearty, satisfying meal: creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crunchy crust.
It’s a simple recipe that invites creativity, whether you stick to the classic cheddar or mix in your favorite cheeses for a custom twist.
Perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or cozy nights in, this Baked Mac and Cheese promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Grab your ingredients, and let’s create a bowl of cheesy goodness that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Baked Mac and Cheese
This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a deliciously indulgent and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 16 oz macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly but not browned.
- Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta until well coated.
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- After removing the Baked Mac and Cheese from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Recipe Notes
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect blend. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheeses can add new dimensions of flavor.
Adding Extras
For those who like a bit more texture and flavor, consider adding cooked bacon, broccoli, or caramelized onions into the cheese mixture before baking.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover Baked Mac and Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Wrapping it up
There’s nothing quite like a dish of hearty, homemade Baked Mac and Cheese to turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
With its rich, creamy texture and crispy topping, this recipe combines all the elements that make comfort food truly comforting.
Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table with family or looking for a satisfying dish to share at a potluck, this Baked Mac and Cheese is sure to warm bellies and bring smiles.
