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Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This baked mac and cheese recipe delivers irresistibly creamy, cheesy pasta crowned with a golden, crunchy topping. Perfect as a comforting main course or a crowd-pleasing side, this classic dish combines tender macaroni with a rich cheese sauce for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni
  • Salt, for pasta water

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp (55g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 3 cups (340g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (56g) shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce – In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce – Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
  4. Prepare the Topping – In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
  5. Assemble and Bake – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Pour the mac and cheese into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
  6. Rest and Serve – Let the baked mac and cheese cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • For added flavor, mix in a pinch of cayenne or dry mustard to the sauce.
  • You can use a combination of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor.
  • Prep the mac and cheese a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve (add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold).
  • Leftovers reheat best in the oven with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://newsvks.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/