Baked Mac and Cheese

Ashley . The Recipe Rebel

Video Stats

Host: Ashley . The Recipe Rebel
Published: Aug 3, 2025
Views: 966

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 4

Overview

There’s something truly comforting about a plate of homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe stands out with its gooey, ultra cheesy goodness that is both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The secret lies in toasting the seasonings in butter, which really wakes up the flavors before you even start on the roux for the white sauce.

As you prepare the cheese sauce, don’t forget to save some of that pasta water. It’s a game changer for achieving a smooth, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta. The addition of a generous amount of cheese is where the magic happens, and you can mix and match your favorites to create a personalized flavor profile.

To finish it off, a sprinkle of extra cheese and a buttery panko breadcrumb topping gives this dish a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this Baked Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:00

Gather ingredients for mac and cheese.

2
00:09

Toast seasonings in butter.

00:09

Tip: Toast seasonings in butter to enhance flavor.

3
00:13

Make a roux to thicken the white sauce.

4
00:15

Add saved pasta water to the sauce.

00:15

Tip: Save some pasta water to make your sauce smooth.

5
00:19

Add a whole pile of cheese to the sauce.

6
00:23

Top with extra cheese.

7
00:25

Prepare a buttered panko breadcrumb mixture.

8
00:27

Add the breadcrumb mixture for a crisp topping.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Butter50g
Breadcrumbs100g
Seasonings
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Almond Milk

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta

Nutrition

Calories
480
kcal per serving
Protein
22
per serving
Carbs
42
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Toasting seasonings in butter enhances their flavor before making the roux.
  • Saving some pasta water helps achieve a smooth cheese sauce.
  • A mixture of buttered panko breadcrumbs adds a crispy topping to the mac and cheese.