My family never gets enough of it — I’ve been making it for years. Full recipe👇😋

 

lassic Baked Macaroni and Cheese — A Comforting Family Favorite

Introduction

Macaroni and cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of home, warmth, and love. Whether served on a busy weeknight, during holiday gatherings, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, this creamy, cheesy casserole is a timeless favorite. It's one of those recipes that your family will always ask for more of, a dish that becomes a cherished tradition, passed down from generation to generation.

This classic baked macaroni and cheese is a dish that combines rich, cheesy sauce with tender pasta, all topped with a crisp, golden breadcrumb crust. The secret to the perfect mac and cheese lies in the cheese sauce and the method of baking it until it’s bubbling, browned, and irresistibly gooey. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a family favorite in your home too!

In this guide, I will take you through a step-by-step process for creating the best-ever baked macaroni and cheese. From the essential ingredients to the various ways to make it your own, to tips for making the creamiest cheese sauce, you’ll find everything you need to ensure this dish is a hit every time.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape of your choice, like penne or shells)

• Salt, for boiling water

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups whole milk (preferably whole for the creamiest texture, but 2% works fine too)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds depth of flavor)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)

• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a mild kick)

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (extra-sharp for more flavor, mild for a creamier texture)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for creaminess and texture)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds umami and richness)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ teaspoon paprika (for color)

• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling the pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

2. Add the elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta) to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes for al dente.

4. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.

5. Set the drained pasta aside.

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Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbly.

2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the ¼ cup of flour. Cook this roux (butter-flour mixture) for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid burning. This step helps thicken the sauce.

3. Gradually pour in the 4 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps from forming.

4. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

5. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste the sauce at this point and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Slowly add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until they melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Tip:

If the cheese sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little of the reserved pasta water. This will also help the sauce cling better to the pasta.

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Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce.

2. Stir until the pasta is well-coated with the cheese sauce. If you like a cheesier mac and cheese, feel free to add extra cheese to the sauce at this stage.

3. Taste the mixture one last time for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and paprika. Stir to coat the breadcrumbs evenly with the butter.

2. Set aside.

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Step 5: Assemble the Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a large oven-safe casserole dish. Use a 9x13-inch dish or a similarly sized baking dish.

3. Spread the macaroni evenly in the dish and press down lightly with a spoon to compact it slightly.

4. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. The buttery breadcrumbs will provide a wonderful crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese filling.

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Step 6: Bake the Mac and Cheese

1. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

2. If you prefer a more browned, crispy topping, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so that the sauce firms up slightly and doesn’t spill everywhere.

2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color (optional).

3. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.

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Why This Baked Mac and Cheese is Irresistible

This recipe for baked mac and cheese is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s why it’s so beloved by families:

1. Creamy Cheese Sauce

The sauce is a luxurious combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The sharp cheddar gives it bold flavor, while mozzarella adds creamy richness. The Parmesan enhances the umami and gives the sauce a complex depth. The addition of milk creates a silky smooth texture that coats each piece of pasta perfectly.

2. Perfectly Cooked Pasta

The pasta is perfectly al dente, providing a sturdy base for the creamy sauce. The pasta absorbs some of the cheese sauce, making every bite flavorful.

3. Buttery, Crunchy Topping

The panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful contrast to the creamy, cheesy filling. When baked, the breadcrumbs become golden and crispy, offering the perfect crunch.

4. Customizable for All Tastes

This recipe serves as a great base, but you can easily add your own spin. Add extras like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Try different cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or a mix of your favorites.

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Variations to Make This Recipe Your Own

Mac and cheese is versatile and customizable. Here are a few variations to explore:

1. Bacon Mac and Cheese

Add 1 cup of crumbled crispy bacon to the cheese sauce for a smoky, savory twist. Bacon pairs perfectly with cheese, elevating the dish with richness and flavor.

2. Veggie Mac and Cheese

Add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the cheese sauce. This adds texture and flavor while giving the dish a healthier boost.

3. Spicy Mac and Cheese

Stir in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. If you’re a fan of heat, adding hot sauce to the cheese sauce can give it a nice, fiery bite.

4. Truffle Mac and Cheese

For an indulgent twist, drizzle some truffle oil over the top of the finished dish or stir in truffle butter for a luxurious, aromatic flavor.

5. Seafood Mac and Cheese

Incorporate cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster into the cheese sauce for a decadent seafood mac and cheese. Pairing it with a creamy cheese sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.

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Tips for Making the Best Mac and Cheese

1. Use Whole Milk

For the creamiest texture, always use whole milk instead of skim or 2%. Whole milk has the fat content necessary for a velvety sauce.

2. Make the Roux Properly

The roux (butter and flour mixture) is crucial to the texture of the cheese sauce. Make sure you cook the flour long enough to eliminate the raw taste but not too long that it burns. The key is to whisk cons