Baked Mac and Cheese is a delicious comfort food made easy. This cheesy, creamy dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.
Hello, friend! You’re about to discover the ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s a cheesy combination of flavors, with a crispy golden top and a creamy, gooey center.
This dish is so easy to make, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So let’s get cooking and make this cheesy dream a reality!
Utensils You Need:
Gather these tools to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- Large pot
- Colander
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
The Recipe
Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use any type of cheese you like, such as Gruyère, Gouda, or even a combination of different cheeses.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to the mac and cheese, such as cooked bacon, chopped vegetables, or jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.
Cook method: Baking
Season: All seasons
Alternative Ingredients:
If you don’t have the ingredients I listed above, don’t worry! You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Elbow macaroni | Any pasta shape |
| Cheddar cheese | Gruyère, Gouda, or any other cheese |
| Monterey Jack cheese | Mozzarella or provolone cheese |
| Bread crumbs | Crushed crackers or crushed cornflakes |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese |
What to Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese:
You can pair this delicious Baked Mac and Cheese with the following:
- A fresh green salad to add a lighter element to the meal.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- A simple protein like grilled chicken or fish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze leftover baked mac and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor.
How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out?
Make sure to use enough sauce to coat the pasta well. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the dish before baking to help keep it moist.
