Why Make This Recipe
Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food loved by people of all ages. It combines the rich flavors of cheese with the satisfying texture of pasta. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, potlucks, or even cozy nights at home. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make! You’ll enjoy a creamy, cheesy goodness that warms the heart.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is best served warm. You can enjoy it straight from the oven, or let it cool for a few moments. It pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Feel free to add some extra cheese or herbs on top for an added burst of flavor!
How to Store Baked Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), let the mac and cheese cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.
Tips to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor. A combination of sharp and mild cheeses works great!
- Make sure to cook the macaroni until it’s al dente; it will continue to cook while baking.
- For a crispy top, broil for a couple of minutes after baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Variation
You can add cooked bacon, crab meat, or even vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the mac and cheese for extra nutrition and flavor. Experiment with different cheese types, like Gouda or Gruyère, to change the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.
2. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni Cook until al dente
Cheese
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Divided into two portions
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter For creating the cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour For thickening
- 3 cups whole milk Gradually added to the sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Assembling and Baking
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.