Baked Mac and Cheese

Description

This ultimate comfort food combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Our baked mac and cheese delivers the perfect balance of gooey interior and crunchy topping that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
• 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 4 oz Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter
3. Bring a large pot of water to boil, add salt
4. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 1 minute less than package suggests)
5. Drain and set aside

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden (this is your roux)
3. Gradually whisk in warm milk, ensuring no lumps form
4. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper
5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon
6. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese until smooth
7. Gradually add cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, whisking until completely melted and smooth

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

1. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated
2. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish
3. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika
4. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top
2. If you want extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end
3. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
4. Garnish with fresh chives if desired

Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

• Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy
• Warm your milk – This prevents the sauce from seizing up
• Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue cooking in the oven
• Let it rest – Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes so it sets properly

Variations

• Bacon Mac: Add 8 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce
• Lobster Mac: Fold in 1 lb of cooked lobster meat before baking
• Truffle Mac: Add 1-2 tablespoons of truffle oil to the cheese sauce
• Spicy Mac: Increase cayenne and add diced jalapeños

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months (wrap tightly)
• Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions