Classic Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This baked mac and cheese is a delicious, creamy classic that’s made with a blend of cheeses and topped with a crispy, buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any small pasta like shells, penne, or rotini)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère)
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for the topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain and set aside. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (paste). This will help thicken the sauce.
- Slowly add the milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 3-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cheddar cheese (and any other cheese you’re using) to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
4. Assemble the Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated with the butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
6. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of baking (just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn). Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
7. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love Classic Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Ultra-Creamy: The combination of milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese creates a perfectly creamy texture.
- Cheesy Delight: This recipe uses a generous amount of cheese to create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
- Crispy Topping: The buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs add the perfect crispy contrast to the creamy cheese sauce, making every bite a balanced experience.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite cheese blend or mix in extras like cooked bacon, roasted vegetables, or sausage to give this mac and cheese your own twist.
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese:
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft when it goes into the baking dish.
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Use a Cheese Blend: For more complex flavor, try using a mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella. Gruyère adds a nice nutty flavor, and mozzarella makes it extra melty.
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Make it Creamy: If you want your mac and cheese to be extra creamy, add a little extra heavy cream or a splash of half and half to the sauce.
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Bake with Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier top, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar over the breadcrumbs before baking.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this in advance?
- Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time, up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
- Yes, you can freeze it. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until heated through.
Q: Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
- Absolutely! If you prefer no topping or want to keep it simple, just skip the breadcrumbs and bake the mac and cheese as is for a smooth, creamy dish.