When I’m craving a warm, cozy dish that feels like pure comfort, I always turn to Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This version is creamy on the inside, golden and crispy on top, and packed with rich, cheesy flavor. It’s the kind of homemade mac and cheese that makes everyone go back for seconds.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 40–45 minutes
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Serving Size: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese
This recipe gives you the perfect balance: a creamy, velvety cheese sauce mixed with tender pasta and a crispy baked topping. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for holidays or potlucks. Plus, you can customize it endlessly—change the cheeses, add toppings, or mix in proteins or veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Sauce:
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons flour
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2 cups milk
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1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan
How I Make My Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Boil macaroni until al dente.
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Drain and set aside—don’t overcook!
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
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Melt butter in a pan and whisk in flour to form a roux.
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Slowly pour in the milk while whisking until smooth.
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Cook until the sauce thickens.
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Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
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Mix until melted and creamy.
Step 3: Combine & Assemble
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Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
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Pour into a baking dish.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping
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Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.
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Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Creamy, crunchy, melty—everything you want in classic baked mac and cheese!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a main dish with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
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Pair as a side with fried chicken, ribs, or grilled meats.
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Add hot sauce or ketchup for extra flavor (if that’s your style!).
Tips for Customization
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Extra cheesy: Add Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or fontina.
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Spicy: Mix in jalapeños, chili flakes, or pepper jack cheese.
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Protein boost: Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken.
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Veggie version: Mix in spinach, broccoli, or roasted peppers.
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Crunchier topping: Use crushed Ritz crackers or panko.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 420–480
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Carbs: 38–45g
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Fat: 22–26g
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Protein: 16–20g
(Varies depending on cheese and toppings.)
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble but don’t bake. Refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.
2. Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
Heat the sauce gently and add cheese off the heat to avoid curdling.
3. Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
You can freeze it before baking or after. Reheat covered in the oven for best texture.
4. What pasta shapes work best?
Elbows, shells, cavatappi, or any shape with curves to hold the sauce.
Final Spoonful
This Baked Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and comforts in every bite. Whether you serve it at a holiday table or on a busy weeknight, it’s always a hit.
