Craving the ultimate comfort food experience? Look no further! This baked mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Forget the boxed stuff – this homemade version is packed with flavor and ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking layers of luscious cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden-brown, bubbly crust that will have everyone begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game to legendary status! This baked mac and cheese recipe is one that you will want to save and use for every special occasion.
Recipe Overview
Before we dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness, let’s take a quick look at what you can expect from this baked mac and cheese recipe.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per Serving (approximate)
Keep in mind that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing baked mac and cheese masterpiece:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 pound (16 ounces) |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 4 cups (whole milk recommended) |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Mustard Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 4 cups, shredded |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Bread Crumbs (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Melted Butter (for bread crumbs, optional) | 2 tablespoons |
Cooking Instructions
Ready to bring this baked mac and cheese to life? Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your baked mac and cheese cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, but cook it 1-2 minutes less than recommended. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for your cheese sauce. Make sure to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, and dry mustard powder. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t boil the sauce, or the cheese may separate. Adding the cheese gradually helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Ensure all the pasta is coated in the luscious cheese sauce. This is where the magic happens!
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Bread Crumb Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. This adds a delightful crunch and golden-brown color.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let it Rest: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
This baked mac and cheese recipe is truly a labor of love, resulting in a dish that is rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
This baked mac and cheese is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful additions.
- BBQ Ribs or Chicken: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the mac and cheese alongside BBQ ribs or grilled chicken.
- Coleslaw: The tangy and crunchy texture of coleslaw complements the creamy mac and cheese perfectly.
Consider adding some heat by mixing in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Tips and Notes for Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use High-Quality Cheese: The quality of the cheese significantly impacts the flavor of the mac and cheese. Use good-quality cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy during baking. Cook it al dente, or slightly undercooked, before adding it to the cheese sauce.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamier sauce.
- Adjust the Cheese Ratio: Feel free to adjust the ratio of cheddar to Monterey Jack cheese to suit your preferences. You can also add other cheeses, such as Gruyere or Gouda, for a more complex flavor.
- Add a Crispy Topping: Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or even fried onions can be used to create a crispy topping.
- Make it Ahead of Time: You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
- Mix-Ins: Consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli or peas to the mac and cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Proper Roux: Making a proper roux is essential for a smooth sauce. Cooking the butter and flour for 1-2 minutes ensures the raw flour taste is gone. The baked mac and cheese should have no graininess.
This baked mac and cheese recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and mix-ins to create your own signature version. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow the steps carefully. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make a mac and cheese that is sure to impress your family and friends. From the creamy cheese sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta and a golden topping, this baked mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for all ages! With this recipe for baked mac and cheese you will never buy the box version again!
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the most amazing baked mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted! Enjoy!
This baked mac and cheese recipe has been tested and perfected. Make it tonight!
