Baked Mac and Cheese

There’s something undeniably special about a warm, gooey plate of Baked Mac and Cheese that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly winter evening, the aroma filling my kitchen as the cheese melted and blended with the perfectly cooked pasta. It became a staple in my household, a comforting dish that never failed to put smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Baked Mac and Cheese always hits the spot. As I stirred that rich, creamy mixture, I felt a sense of nostalgia for all the times I had enjoyed this classic dish, and I knew I had to share my version with you.

Shopping List for Baked Mac and Cheese

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect Baked Mac and Cheese. The blend of flavors and textures creates a delightful dish that’s worth every effort. The stars of this recipe are the elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and Gruyere cheese, which work together to create a creamy, cheesy goodness that you won’t forget.

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
• 1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice that holds onto the cheese sauce.
• ½ cup butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the cheese sauce.
• 3 cups milk: The base of the creamy sauce; use hot for best results.
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese: A must-have for that classic cheese flavor.
• 8 ounces Gruyere cheese: Adds depth and a hint of nuttiness.
• Hot sauce: Optional, for those who like a bit of heat.
• 1 clove garlic: Infuses the breadcrumbs with flavor.
• 1 cup bread crumbs: Creates a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.

Recipe Directions for Baked Mac and Cheese

Making Baked Mac and Cheese is a delightful process that brings together simple ingredients into a comforting dish. Follow along with these steps to create your own masterpiece!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the other components of your dish.
2. Butter a 2 ½ quart casserole dish. Use a little extra butter to coat the dish evenly, which will prevent sticking and add flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the macaroni.
3. Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. This salt will season the pasta as it cooks, ensuring it’s flavorful.
4. Add the macaroni to the boiling water. Cook it until just al dente, about 6 minutes. You want it firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Be careful not to overcook!
5. Drain the macaroni well in a colander. Do not rinse it, as this will wash away the starch that helps the cheese sauce adhere.
6. Return the pot to the stovetop. Over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter until it’s foaming. This fragrant butter will form the base of your cheese sauce.
7. Whisk in the flour and let it cook until bubbling but not browned, about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce.
8. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Keep whisking until the mixture comes to a boil, then remove from heat. It should thicken nicely.
9. Stir in the cheeses until melted. This is where the magic happens! The combination of cheddar and Gruyere creates a rich, creamy sauce.
10. Fold in the macaroni, stirring until everything is uniformly combined. It should be a beautiful blend of pasta and cheese.
11. Season to taste with salt and hot sauce, if desired. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
12. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring every bit of macaroni is covered in that luscious sauce.
13. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This will infuse the breadcrumbs with flavor.
14. Add the breadcrumbs to the garlic butter and toss until they are evenly coated. This will create a golden, crispy topping.
15. Pour the breadcrumbs over the macaroni mixture, ensuring an even layer. This will give your Baked Mac and Cheese a delightful crunch.
16. Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Ways to Customize

There’s so much you can do to make Baked Mac and Cheese uniquely yours!

• Add veggies: Incorporate sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: Use pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños for a kick!
• Different pasta shapes: Swap out elbow macaroni for cavatappi, shells, or any pasta shape you love.
• Herbs and spices: Consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic touch.
• Experiment with cheese: Try other cheeses like gouda, feta, or a spicy pepper cheese to mix things up.
• Make it a meal: Add cooked chicken or shrimp to transform it into a hearty main dish.
• Storage: How to store leftovers: Allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish before baking. Wrap it tightly and it’ll last for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve it alongside a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Best Served With

Pairing Baked Mac and Cheese with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here’s how to make it even more delightful!

• Fresh Side Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy richness of the mac and cheese beautifully.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Consider serving some sautéed broccoli or asparagus alongside for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Garlic Bread: For an indulgent experience, pair your mac and cheese with buttery garlic bread that’s perfect for scooping up any sauce.
• Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast can round out the meal and add some protein.
• Casual Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be served as a main dish.
• Comforting Weeknight Dinners: Enjoy it on a cozy night in, perhaps while watching your favorite movie.
• Seasonal Pairings: In winter, consider serving with a warm soup for a complete comfort meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baked Mac and Cheese is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, filled with nostalgia and comfort. The combination of creamy cheese and pasta creates a fulfilling experience that everyone loves. I encourage you to try making it yourself and share it with family or friends. You might just find that this recipe becomes a beloved favorite in your home!

Baked Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings. Make it tonight for a deliciously indulgent meal!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 9 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound Elbow macaroni Use any bite-size pasta.
• ½ cup Butter Divided, plus extra for buttering the dish.
• ¼ cup All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Milk Hot milk is best.
• 8 ounces Cheddar cheese Shredded.
• 8 ounces Gruyere cheese Shredded.
• to taste Hot sauce Optional.
• 1 clove Garlic Minced.
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs

Equipment

• Oven
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the other components of your dish.
2. Butter a 2½ quart casserole dish. Use a little extra butter to coat the dish evenly, which will prevent sticking and add flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the macaroni.
3. Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. This salt will season the pasta as it cooks, ensuring it’s flavorful.
4. Add the macaroni to the boiling water. Cook it until just al dente, about 6 minutes. You want it firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Be careful not to overcook!
5. Drain the macaroni well in a colander. Do not rinse it, as this will wash away the starch that helps the cheese sauce adhere.
6. Return the pot to the stovetop. Over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter until it’s foaming. This fragrant butter will form the base of your cheese sauce.
7. Whisk in the flour and let it cook until bubbling but not browned, about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce.
8. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Keep whisking until the mixture comes to a boil, then remove from heat. It should thicken nicely.
9. Stir in the cheeses until melted. This is where the magic happens! The combination of cheddar and Gruyere creates a rich, creamy sauce.
10. Fold in the macaroni, stirring until everything is uniformly combined. It should be a beautiful blend of pasta and cheese.
11. Season to taste with salt and hot sauce, if desired. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
12. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring every bit of macaroni is covered in that luscious sauce.
13. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This will infuse the breadcrumbs with flavor.
14. Add the breadcrumbs to the garlic butter and toss until they are evenly coated. This will give your Baked Mac and Cheese a delightful crunch.
15. Pour the breadcrumbs over the macaroni mixture, ensuring an even layer. This will give your Baked Mac and Cheese a delightful crunch.
16. Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Notes

• Macaroni: Any bite-size pasta is fine. Pick a favorite shape; something that will cling to the cheese sauce and deliver it right into your mouth.
• Milk: Any fat percentage of milk you like. To make it even more indulgent, replace some of the milk in the recipe with evaporated milk.
• Cheese: My version of Baked Mac and Cheese calls for equal parts shredded cheddar and gruyère for creaminess and cheese-forward results. But feel free to mix things up with white cheddar, goat cheese, pepper jack, Velveeta, mozzarella, smoked cheddar, fontina, or even blue cheese.
• Yield: This Baked Mac and Cheese makes nine 1-c. servings, ideal for dinner and complete round of leftovers for a small family.
• Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make ahead: Make it, just don’t bake it. Follow this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe through Step 4, then wait to add the breadcrumbs and bake.
• Freezer: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking, but it stays creamier if you freeze it before the final bake.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.