Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese recipe features creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy golden topping. It’s the perfect comfort food, ideal for any meal or special occasion, with customizable variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 tbsp melted butter for topping
- Fresh parsley or paprika for garnish, optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Assemble the Dish
- Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the top.
Bake
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade baked mac and cheese!
Notes
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 14g