The Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. It is creamy, cheesy, warm, and very satisfying. This dish brings back happy memories of family dinners and cozy evenings.
If you love classic mac and cheese with a golden baked topping, this recipe is for you. This Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients. You will also learn How to make Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese at home with confidence. The Ingredients for Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese are pantry-friendly and easy to find.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this delicious dish is the homemade cheese sauce. Many recipes use shortcuts, but this one focuses on building flavor step by step. Butter and flour create a smooth base that thickens the sauce perfectly. Warm milk is added slowly to avoid lumps and keep the sauce creamy.
Using real cheese instead of processed cheese makes a big difference in taste and texture. A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan creates deep flavor, creamy melt, and a golden crust. Baking the mac and cheese allows the top to become crispy while the inside stays soft and rich. Simple seasoning ties everything together beautifully.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Course: Main Dish or Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
3. Melt the Butter
Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely without browning.
4. Add the Flour
Sprinkle flour into the melted butter. Whisk constantly for one minute until smooth and lightly bubbly.
5. Pour in the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Add Seasonings
Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
7. Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gradually. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is well coated.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spoon.
10. Bake Until Golden
Place the dish in the oven and bake for thirty minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly.
11. Rest Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. This helps the sauce set nicely.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Add breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crunchy topping.
- Mix in cooked bacon or ham for extra richness.
- Add mustard powder for deeper cheese flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for extra creaminess.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Serving Suggestions
Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese is very versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it as a main meal with a fresh green salad on the side. It also works perfectly as a side dish for grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or barbecue. This dish is great for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings. You can serve it straight from the oven while it is hot and bubbly for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at low heat and cover with foil to prevent drying. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating. Add a splash of milk if the sauce feels too thick. Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
Melt the Butter
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely without browning.
Add the Flour
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter. Whisk constantly for one minute until smooth and lightly bubbly.
Pour in the Milk
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Add Seasonings
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Melt the Cheese
- Lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gradually. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is well coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spoon.
Bake Until Golden
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for thirty minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly.
Rest Before Serving
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. This helps the sauce set nicely.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Add breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crunchy topping.
- Mix in cooked bacon or ham for extra richness.
- Add mustard powder for deeper cheese flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for extra creaminess.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
FAQs about Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
How to make Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese extra creamy?
Use whole milk or half-and-half and avoid overbaking. Adding a little cream cheese also increases creaminess.
What is the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the best base cheese. Mozzarella adds stretch, while parmesan enhances flavor and crust.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, shells, cavatappi, or penne work well. Choose pasta that holds sauce well.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe is everything comfort food should be. It is creamy, cheesy, warm, and deeply satisfying. The steps are simple, and the Ingredients for Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese are easy to find.
Now you know How to make Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese at home like a pro. This dish is perfect for family meals, celebrations, or cozy nights in. Once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite on your table.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.