Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese
Introduction
Baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food — warm, creamy, and bursting with cheesy goodness. This “ultimate” version elevates the classic by combining a rich, velvety cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust that bakes to golden perfection. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish but also shines as a side for holiday dinners or Sunday family meals.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra texture)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in warmed milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley flakes.
- Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving for the perfect cheesy pull.
Methods (Variations & Tips)
- Extra Creamy: Add cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce.
- Bacon Lovers: Fold in crispy bacon bits before baking.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Four-Cheese Version: Mix in Fontina, Havarti, or Monterey Jack.
History
Mac and cheese originated in Europe, with early versions appearing in 14th-century Italian and English cookbooks. Thomas Jefferson is credited with popularizing it in America after discovering the dish in Paris. By the 20th century, it became a household staple thanks to packaged versions, but homemade baked mac and cheese has always been considered the “gourmet” standard.
Benefits
- Comfort Food Classic — warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Customizable — endless variations for different tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser — perfect for potlucks, holidays, or casual dinners.
- Make-Ahead Friendly — assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Formation (How It Works)
- Roux (butter + flour) thickens the milk, creating a base for the sauce.
- Cheese melting point ensures smooth texture when combined off direct high heat.
- Baking develops a golden crust while keeping the inside creamy.
Conclusion
This ultimate baked mac and cheese delivers everything you crave — creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crispy, buttery topping. It’s rich enough to stand alone yet versatile enough to complement any meal.
For the Cheese Lovers
If melted cheese is your happy place, this dish will be your comfort-food soulmate. Every bite is a gooey, golden dream — and you’ll probably be thinking about the leftovers before you’ve even finished your first serving.