Irresistibly Creamy Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic baked mac and cheese recipe that promises to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds.

Creamy, golden cheese blankets tender pasta in a dish that speaks pure nostalgia.

Every forkful carries the warmth of home-cooked memories and culinary tradition.

Rich, velvety sauce cascades through perfectly cooked macaroni, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crisp breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this timeless favorite.

cheese lovers will swoon over the deep, complex blend of sharp cheddar and smooth bechamel.

This recipe transforms a simple side into a star attraction that demands seconds.

Gather around the table and savor every decadent bite of this ultimate mac and cheese experience.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Comfort Factor

• Dive into a creamy, cheesy classic that warms hearts and satisfies deep cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires basic skills and standard ingredients found in most kitchens, making it an ideal starter dish for new cooks.
• Guaranteed to please kids and adults alike, this mac and cheese brings everyone together with its irresistible cheesy goodness and familiar flavors.
• Serve as a main course, side dish, or potluck contribution that adapts easily to different dining scenarios and always receives rave reviews.

Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredient Rundown

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that provides the perfect texture and holds sauce beautifully.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk, Half and Half: Provides creamy consistency and helps develop a luxurious sauce texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and melts smoothly for classic mac and cheese experience.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor and adds subtle seasoning to the dish.

Tools and Gadgets for Mac and Cheese

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating that creamy, dreamy cheese sauce smoothly.
• 8-inch Square Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking your mac and cheese to golden perfection.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring sauce and preventing lumps while blending ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking to al dente texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for getting ingredient proportions just right.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, melty cheese topping if using block cheese.

Mac and Cheese Baking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab your favorite 8-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Boil some water and cook the macaroni until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

Step 2: Craft the Silky Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter until it’s golden and bubbling.

• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir constantly for a couple of minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in milk and half-and-half, whisking like a pro.

Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up and looks like a luxurious gravy (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 3: Cheese Magic

Pull the sauce off the heat and sprinkle in the first batch of cheese.

Stir until it melts into a dreamy, smooth mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Layers

Mix the velvety sauce with the cooked macaroni.

Spread half the cheesy pasta into the baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous handful of cheese on top.

Add the remaining pasta and crown it with the last of the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, with crispy cheese edges that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Top Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

• Select a sharp cheddar or mix of cheeses like gruyere and white cheddar for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy results and maintain a pleasant firm bite in the final dish.
• Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy cheese sauce without grainy texture.
• Keep oven at 325F to prevent cheese from separating or becoming oily, ensuring a creamy and consistent mac and cheese.
• Cover with foil during first part of baking to retain moisture, then uncover last 5 minutes for golden crispy cheese topping.

Fun Ways to Customize Baked Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all cheese is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Creamy Mac: Substitute dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk. Use vegan cheese alternatives or make a nutritional yeast sauce.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or ground turkey to boost protein content. Mix proteins directly into cheese sauce before baking.
• Veggie Loaded Option: Incorporate roasted cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers into the mac and cheese. Blend vegetables directly into the cheese sauce for extra nutrition.

Serving Mac and Cheese Classic Style

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled sausage for extra protein and flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions to increase nutritional value and add depth.
• Crunch Factor: Top with toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy panko for a delightful textural contrast.

Storing Baked Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread mac and cheese in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese on top for fresh flavor and crispy texture.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheeses like gruyere, monterey jack, or mild cheddar for a creamy texture and rich taste.

• How can I prevent my sauce from becoming grainy?

Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese and stir slowly until just melted. Using room temperature cheese and not overheating helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free macaroni noodles to create a celiac-friendly version of this classic dish.

• How do I know when the sauce is the right consistency?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and look similar to a thick gravy.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic mac and cheese brings comfort right to your plate with creamy cheddar and tender pasta. Cheesy goodness combines simple ingredients for a nostalgic meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind)
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 3 tablespoons butter

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and thoroughly coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Boil macaroni in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy and golden.
4. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper, creating a smooth roux that develops a nutty aroma for approximately 2 minutes.
5. Gradually pour milk and half and half into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a velvety sauce.
6. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring consistently until it reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the first portion of cheese until smoothly melted and integrated.
8. Gently combine the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
9. Transfer half the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, then layer the remaining pasta.
10. Top the final layer with remaining cheese for a golden, crispy surface.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling around the edges.
12. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Choose elbow macaroni with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more textural interest.
• Shred cheese directly from block for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Lower oven temperature prevents cheese from becoming grainy or separating, ensuring creamy consistency.
• Experiment with cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack for deeper, more complex taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 468 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg