Baked Mac and Cheese

why make this recipe

Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or even a cozy night in. Plus, it’s easy to make and you can customize it to fit your taste. Making it from scratch not only tastes better than store-bought versions but also allows you to control the ingredients and make it healthier.

how to make Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until the cheese is melted.
6. Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
8. Top with bread crumbs.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

how to serve Baked Mac and Cheese

Serve Baked Mac and Cheese hot, straight from the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving to add a bit of color.

how to store Baked Mac and Cheese

Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

tips to make Baked Mac and Cheese

• Make sure to cook the macaroni until it’s al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use different types of cheese for varied flavors. Mozzarella, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack work well too.
• If you like a bit of crunch, add some crushed crackers or panko on top instead of bread crumbs.
• For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

variation

You can make a healthier version by using whole wheat macaroni and low-fat cheese. Another delicious twist is adding cooked bacon or sausage to the cheese mixture for added flavor and protein.

FAQs

Can I prepare Baked Mac and Cheese in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, bake it from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake.

How do I make it creamy?

To ensure your Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, don’t overcook the pasta, and always use a good amount of cheese in the sauce. Adding some cream cheese or sour cream can also enhance the creaminess.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy comfort food that's perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Easy to make and customizable, it beats store-bought versions any day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk Use whole or low-fat for best creaminess.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Feel free to mix different cheeses.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs Panko or crushed crackers can be used for crunch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
• Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
• Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is melted.

Combining and Baking

• Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
• Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
• Top with bread crumbs.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, optionally with a salad or steamed vegetables. For added flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Homemade Mac and Cheese