Baked Mac and Cheese is a warm, cheesy delight that makes everyone smile. It’s all about creamy, melty cheese hugging tender pasta, baked to golden perfection!
Honestly, there’s nothing better than the smell of this dish filling the kitchen. I love adding a sprinkle of bread crumbs on top for an extra crunch—pure comfort food! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese. If you’re out of elbow macaroni, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
Cheddar Cheese: Using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar gives a great flavor balance. If you want a twist, try replacing some of the cheddar with Gruyère or a creamy Fontina. And for a dairy-free version, look for plant-based cheese alternatives!
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess but you could substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version. For a non-dairy option, almond or oat milk can work well, though you might need to adjust the thickness.
Butter and Flour: This combo helps create a rich cheese sauce. If you need a dairy-free option, use olive oil and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, or even cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Clumps?
Making the cheese sauce is key to a smooth mac and cheese. It can be tricky to avoid lumps, so follow these steps:
- Start by melting the butter on medium heat. Whisk in the flour until you have a thick paste (roux) that bubbles, which should only take about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon—usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, reduce the heat to low before adding in your shredded cheese. Stir well until melted and smooth.
Remember, patience is key! Take your time when adding the milk to achieve that creamy texture.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
For The Sauce:
- 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for subtle smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked mac and cheese recipe takes about 35 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep and cook the pasta, another 15 to make the cheese sauce, and then about 20-25 minutes for baking. It’s a delicious, quick meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in.
2. Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until it’s al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes). Drain the macaroni and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour for about 2 minutes until it’s bubbly but not browning. This creates a roux! Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring often to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Seasonings and Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder if you’re using it. Remove from heat and mix in 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s smooth and completely melted.
5. Combine with Macaroni:
Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every piece of pasta evenly with that delicious cheese sauce.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top for extra cheesiness!
7. Bake and Finish:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. This gives the cheese a lovely crust.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or parsley if you’d like, then serve warm! This is sure to be a comforting favorite!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, perfectly baked mac and cheese! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some shapes may need different cooking durations.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use a mix of Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor. For a sharper profile, consider using a bit of blue cheese or goat cheese. Just make sure to keep some cheese that melts well!
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux. Just check the labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I Prepare Baked Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish as instructed, but instead of baking it right away, cover it with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be coming from the fridge.
