Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crispy topping. Unlike stovetop mac and cheese, baking adds an irresistible crust and a deeper, richer flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy weeknight meals.

With its creamy interior and slightly crunchy top layer, every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Easy to make, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing, baked mac and cheese is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, cheesy, and indulgent. The creamy sauce clings to every elbow macaroni, while the breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. Baking the mac and cheese intensifies the flavors, creating a warm, rich, and nostalgic dish.

It’s versatile enough to customize with different cheeses, spices, or add-ins like bacon or vegetables. Every time I make it, it fills the house with that unmistakable aroma of melted cheese and baked goodness — truly irresistible!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it takes classic mac and cheese to the next level. The baked version has a crunchy, cheesy top layer that adds texture and enhances the overall flavor.

It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family meals, offering a cozy, nostalgic experience. Whether you serve it as a side or a main course, it’s universally loved and guaranteed to satisfy cheese lovers. If you enjoy rich, creamy, and indulgent comfort food, baked mac and cheese is essential for your recipe collection.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Course: Main Course / Side Dish
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or ½ teaspoon onion powder for added flavor

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
3. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
4. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1 – Boil Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
2. Step 2 – Make Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes.
3. Step 3 – Add Milk/Cream: Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thickened.
4. Step 4 – Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season as desired.
5. Step 5 – Combine Pasta & Sauce: Stir cooked macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.
6. Step 6 – Prepare Topping: Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.
7. Step 7 – Bake: Transfer to greased baking dish, sprinkle topping, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
8. Step 8 – Serve: Allow to rest slightly, then serve warm.

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How to Serve

Serve baked mac and cheese hot as a side dish or main course. Pair with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Garnish with extra Parmesan, paprika, or fresh herbs for presentation. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for comfort food.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting.
• Don’t overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the cheese sauce.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or smoked paprika.
• Stir in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or vegetables for variety.
• Let baked mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to set the sauce.

Variations

1. Three-Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère for richer flavor.
2. Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
3. Bacon Mac and Cheese: Stir in crispy bacon pieces before baking.
4. Vegetable Baked Mac: Add broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
5. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a safe alternative.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Allow to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven, adding a splash of milk if needed.
• Reheating Tip: Cover with foil when reheating to prevent the top from burning.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Saucepan for cheese sauce
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl for topping
• Whisk and wooden spoon

Conclusion

Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy, and universally loved dish that combines creamy pasta with a crispy, golden topping. Perfect for family meals, holiday gatherings, or cozy dinners, it’s versatile, indulgent, and easy to customize. With its rich cheese sauce and satisfying textures, this baked version elevates classic mac and cheese to a hearty, memorable dish. Once you try it, it will become a staple in your recipe collection — a timeless comfort food that never fails to delight.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crispy topping.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Pasta

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (225g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or ½ teaspoon onion powder for added flavor

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
3. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
4. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese