Why Make This Recipe
Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. This cheesy and creamy dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. With its gooey cheese and satisfying pasta, it simply brings joy to anyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is great on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, meatloaf, or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a nice touch. For a fun twist, you can pair it with a simple salad to balance the creamy texture and flavors.
How to Store Baked Mac and Cheese
To store any leftovers, let the Baked Mac and Cheese cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to cover it well; it can last in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until warm.
Tips to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor. Adding Gruyère or pepper jack can give a unique twist.
- For a crunchy topping, you can mix the panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling it on top.
- Don’t skip the paprika! It adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Variation
You can easily make a veggie version by adding steamed broccoli or spinach into the mac and cheese before baking. For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk?
While you can use low-fat milk, the dish may not be as rich and creamy. Whole milk gives the best results for a deliciously cheesy flavor.
Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic comfort food that is cheesy, creamy, and perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Tip: Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor and consider adding vegetables for a veggie version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
