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Spoonful of creamy, gooey baked mac and cheese with golden crust.

Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Craving that perfect comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying? Look no further! This Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the real deal. Made with a blend of flavorful cheeses and topped with a golden, crispy crust, it’s everything you love about classic mac and cheese—taken to the next level. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this dish never disappoints. Ready to experience cheesy perfection? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or substitute with Swiss cheese)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

    For the Topping:

    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
  2. Make a Roux: Whisk in the ½ cup flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the 4 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Season the Sauce: Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

  1. Mix Together: Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
  2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

  1. Make the Topping: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until combined.
  2. Sprinkle on Top: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

  1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  2. Broil for Extra Crunch (Optional): For a crispier topping, broil on high for 1-2 minutes—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with dried parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Tips for Creamy Perfection:

    • Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess.
    • Use Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: This adds richness and keeps the sauce velvety smooth.
    • Don’t Overbake: Baking too long can dry out the mac and cheese. Check at the 25-minute mark for that perfect gooeyness.

  • Flavor Variations:

    • Smoky Twist: Use smoked Gouda or smoked cheddar for a bold, smoky flavor.
    • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
    • Meaty Addition: Stir in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken for added protein.

Pairing Suggestions:

  • Side Dishes:

    • Crisp Green Salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.
    • Roasted Vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a crunchy contrast.
    • Garlic Bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.

  • Beverage Pairing:

    • Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
    • Apple cider pairs beautifully with the cheesy richness for a cozy twist.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Cuisine: American (Comfort Food)

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~520 kcal
  • Sodium: ~800 mg
  • Fat: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Cholesterol: ~85 mg

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Find it online: https://senarecipes.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/