Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese – A Crowd Favorite from My Cookbook!
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of creamy cheese and tender pasta. The recipe starts with cooking elbow macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente, ensuring that the pasta retains its texture even after baking. The real star of this dish is the cheese sauce, made from a rich blend of medium cheddar and mozzarella, which melts beautifully to create a luscious coating for the pasta.
One of the clever tips in this recipe is to reserve some of the pasta cooking water. This starchy liquid is a game-changer, allowing you to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking. As the cheese melts into the sauce, it becomes irresistibly creamy, and the addition of spices like paprika and garlic powder elevates the flavor profile.
Once combined, the pasta and sauce are poured into a buttered casserole dish, topped with even more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. The final broil adds a crispy crust that seals in all the cheesy goodness. This dish is not just a hit at holiday gatherings; it’s also perfect for weeknight dinners or birthday parties, making it a versatile recipe to keep in your repertoire.
Whether you’re serving it as a side or the main event, this Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese is sure to satisfy cravings and bring smiles to the table. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a total keeper for any occasion.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 casserole dish.
Salt a pot of boiling water.
Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente.
Tip: Stir the pasta at the beginning of cooking to prevent sticking.
Before draining, reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water.
Tip: Reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water for the sauce.
Drain the pasta and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
In the same pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add 1/3 cup of flour and whisk until lightly golden.
Slowly stream in 3 cups of whole milk while whisking.
Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.
Add the reserved half cup of pasta water.
Add paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Tip: Use freshly cracked black pepper for better flavor.
Reduce heat to a simmer and whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
Add 3 cups of cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
Add another 3 cups of cheese and stir until blended.
Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
Tip: Don't add too much pasta, as it will absorb sauce while baking.
Pour the mac and cheese into the buttered casserole dish.
Spread the mixture evenly into the pan.
Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes for a golden brown topping.
Tip: Broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes for a golden brown topping.
Plate the mac and cheese while it's still steaming.
Tip: This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that combines pasta with a creamy cheese sauce.
- •Using a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
- •Reserving pasta cooking water helps to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- •Broiling the mac and cheese at the end creates a golden, crispy topping.
