This baked mac and cheese recipe is a classic comfort food that brings together creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Using a 9×13 dish allows for a generous serving size, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
Classic Comfort Food
Baked mac and cheese is a timeless dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
This creamy delight combines tender pasta with a rich cheese sauce, creating a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night at home, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The foundation of this baked mac and cheese lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Elbow macaroni serves as the perfect vessel for the creamy cheese sauce, while a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella provides a rich, gooey texture.
A crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, elevating the dish to new heights.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this baked mac and cheese is straightforward and rewarding.
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite after baking.
Next, create a smooth cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk until thickened. Stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth, then combine with the pasta for a luscious coating.
Baking to Perfection
Once the pasta and cheese sauce are mixed, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface, ensuring every bite has that satisfying crunch.
Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and crispy, allowing the edges to bubble enticingly.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the dish cool slightly before serving.
This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, offering a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
Leftovers and Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
Reheating in the oven will help restore some of the original crispiness of the topping.
This dish not only makes for a comforting meal but also provides a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This dish features elbow macaroni coated in a rich cheese sauce made from a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your baked mac and cheese warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g