Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender macaroni with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This classic dish is a beloved favorite for both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. With its rich and indulgent flavors, baked mac and cheese is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why Make Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless classic that never fails to delight with its creamy texture and cheesy goodness. Making it from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking, ensuring a dish that’s perfectly suited to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a comforting side dish, baked mac and cheese is sure to bring joy to the table and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the macaroni for one minute less than the package directions state. This ensures that the pasta remains slightly firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Make the cheese sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized pot and add the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, over low heat for 2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, continuing to whisk until smooth and thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Drain the pasta and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Pour the mixture into a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
Prepare the breadcrumb topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For added indulgence, top each serving with crispy bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Storage Info

Any leftover Baked Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or transfer the entire dish to a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly.

Techniques or Tips

Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven and can become mushy if boiled for too long initially.
For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon, diced ham, or caramelized onions to the cheese sauce before baking.
For a crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last few minutes of baking until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crunchy.

Variation

Feel free to customize this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe to suit your taste preferences:

Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Fontina, or Monterey Jack, for unique flavor combinations.
Add a dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

FAQs about Baked Mac and Cheese

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for the regular macaroni to make this dish gluten-free. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster than traditional pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Simply follow the instructions up to the point of baking, then cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I freeze Baked Mac and Cheese? Yes, you can freeze Baked Mac and Cheese for longer storage. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the mac and cheese overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it, covered, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 30-40 minutes. You may need to remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the breadcrumbs to crisp up.

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