Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Baked Macaroni & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and golden-browned crust, it’s a timeless classic loved by both kids and adults alike. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you’re craving some cheesy indulgence.

Why Make Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Baked Macaroni & Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the dinner table. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, it’s a deliciously comforting dish that will warm your heart and soul. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese, making it both budget-friendly and versatile.

How to Make Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set it aside.
Prepare the Roux: In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux (paste). Season the roux with salt, white pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Make the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, setting the heat to medium-high. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheese until melted and combined, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta but do not rinse it.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, gently folding until the pasta is evenly coated.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese, creating a cheesy crust.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Scoop out generous portions of hot, gooey macaroni and cheese, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Serving Suggestions

Baked Macaroni & Cheese is a satisfying main dish on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread for extra comfort.

Storage Info

Leftover Baked Macaroni & Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven until heated through. Note that the texture may become slightly firmer upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.

Some Techniques or Tips

Use a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are all excellent choices.
Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.
Customize your macaroni and cheese by adding cooked bacon, diced ham, sautéed onions, or chopped broccoli for extra flavor and texture.

Variation

Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add a unique twist to your macaroni and cheese. Try adding a dash of garlic powder, dried mustard, or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. You can also make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and flour.

FAQs about Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Can I use other types of pasta instead of macaroni? Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Can I freeze leftover macaroni and cheese? Yes, you can freeze leftover macaroni and cheese for up to 2-3 months. Simply transfer individual portions or the entire casserole into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

4 cups uncooked pasta
8 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups shredded cheese (a blend of two cheeses)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons white pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set it aside.
In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the macaroni according to package directions.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux (paste). Add seasoning to taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, setting the heat to medium-high.
Whisk in 3 cups of shredded cheese, continuing to whisk as the mixture cooks and thickens.
Drain the cooked pasta but do not rinse it.
When the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, pour the sauce over the cooked macaroni.
Gently fold the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is browned and completely melted.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious macaroni and cheese casserole!