Why Make This Recipe
Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any meal. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be customized with different cheeses or toppings to suit your taste.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 250g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter (or 2 tsp oil)
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed, low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (gruyere preferred)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or other cheese of choice)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp of butter to prevent sticking.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and salt.
- Add the shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Serve your Baked Mac and Cheese hot, right from the oven. It’s great on its own or as a side dish with grilled meats, salads, or steamed vegetables. You can add extra toppings like fresh herbs, crispy bacon, or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and crunch.
How to Store Baked Mac and Cheese
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it up in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
- For a creamier texture, use a combination of different cheeses.
- You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the macaroni for extra nutrition.
- Experiment with different breadcrumb toppings, like crushed crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs, for a unique touch.
Variation
You can easily switch up the cheeses used in this recipe. Try using cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile. You can also add spices or hot sauce for a kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free macaroni pasta and follow the same steps to make a gluten-free version of Baked Mac and Cheese.
2. Can I make Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. What types of cheese work well in this recipe?
While gruyere and mozzarella are great choices, any cheese that melts well will work. Cheddar, fontina, and gouda are delicious alternatives.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter or 2 tsp oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed, low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (gruyere preferred)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese or other cheese of choice
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Topping
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp of butter to prevent sticking.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and salt.
- Add the shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combining and Baking
- Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.