If there’s one dish that embodies pure comfort and joy in every single bite, it’s the Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, all topped off with a golden, bubbling crust. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of smooth, savory sauce and crispy, cheesy topping that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds) without hesitation. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about the straightforward but absolutely essential ingredients that make this dish shine. Every element plays a key role, from the pasta that provides a tender bite to the mix of cheeses that create layers of melty flavor and the spices that add depth and warmth.
- Elbow macaroni: A reliable classic pasta shape that holds the cheesy sauce beautifully and cooks to the perfect al dente texture.
- Sea salt: Used in two stages to enhance the pasta’s natural flavor and season the sauce perfectly.
- Extra-light olive oil: Helps prevent the pasta from sticking together after draining without overpowering flavor.
- Medium cheddar cheese: The star of the show, offering a sharp, tangy bite that’s creamy when melted.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds a wonderfully stretchy, gooey texture complementing the sharpness of cheddar.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the buttery base of the roux, key for thickening the sauce and adding richness.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for making a roux that ensures the cheese sauce is luxuriously smooth and thick.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: These give the sauce a velvety body and indulgent creaminess that defines this recipe.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and gives the dish a warm color glow.
- Mustard powder or Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tangy kick that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Layer in savory undertones that round out the cheesy flavor profile.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to every bite.
How to Make Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F and thoroughly butter a 3-quart or 9×13-inch casserole dish. This step ensures your mac and cheese won’t stick as it bakes and helps develop a delightful golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a large pot of water to a roaring boil, then add 1 tablespoon of sea salt along with your elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente—that slight firmness is crucial because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water before draining; this magical liquid will help loosen your cheese sauce if needed.
Step 3: Combine Your Cheeses
While the pasta cooks, mix together the shredded medium cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a large bowl. This combo of 6 cups cheddar and 2 cups mozzarella ensures your sauce is both flavorful and wonderfully gooey.
Step 4: Make the Roux Base for the Cheese Sauce
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. As soon as it foams, whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously for about two minutes. This step cooks off the raw flour taste and starts to develop a beautiful golden roux, fundamental for a creamy, thick sauce.
Step 5: Add Milk, Cream, and Pasta Water
Slowly pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and the reserved pasta water, whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and just beginning to bubble. This process is all about building that luscious base that the cheese will melt into.
Step 6: Season Your Sauce
Sprinkle in the paprika, mustard powder (or Dijon mustard if you prefer), garlic powder, onion powder, remaining sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like perfection.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese into the Sauce
Add half of your cheese mixture (about 3 cups) and stir until melted and silky. Then stir in another 3 cups until completely combined, leaving about 2 cups for that irresistible topping. The gradual melting helps the sauce stay smooth and velvety.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Fold the drained, oiled pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in creamy goodness. This is the moment where your dish really comes together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before moving on.
Step 9: Bake to Melty Perfection
Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into your buttered casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese on top. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For that golden, crispy top that makes this the Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and serve warm for a deliciously comforting experience that’s sure to satisfy every craving for creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this classic dish, consider sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add a beautiful color pop and a touch of warmth. For the adventurous, crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs bring a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
The rich and cheesy nature of this mac and cheese pairs perfectly with fresh, crisp sides. Simple green salads with tangy vinaigrettes, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or even a tangy coleslaw will cut through the richness and bring balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving the Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for charming personal portions. If you’re feeling fancy, add caramelized onions or mix in sautéed mushrooms or cooked lobster to the sauce before baking. Even little additions make this humble dish feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover mac and cheese tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this comfort food again without starting from scratch.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the mac and cheese into airtight containers or freezer bags and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For a crispier top, you can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil until the last few minutes to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for the Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap in shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to keep the pasta al dente.
What types of cheese work best for this recipe?
The combination of medium cheddar and mozzarella is key for flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment with sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, or Fontina for unique twists.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lactose-free?
You can substitute the milk and cream with lactose-free alternatives and use dairy-free cheese options, although the sauce’s richness and texture might differ slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux to keep that creamy sauce consistency.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an even crispier top, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking, then broil at the end for that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfectly balancing simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dinner, it’s sure to become one of your absolute favorites. Dive in, enjoy every ooey-gooey bite, and make some delicious memories with this timeless classic!
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Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food with a perfectly baked golden crust. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, a creamy roux-based sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection, this classic dish serves 12 and is ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta (preferably a high-quality Italian bronze-cut pasta)
- 1 Tbsp plus 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (divided, plus more to taste)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 Tbsp extra-light olive oil (or other neutral oil)
Cheese Mix
- 6 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese (16 oz)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 oz)
Sauce
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (2/3 stick plus more for greasing)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder (or 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 3-quart or 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly and set it aside for later use to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Immediately drizzle the noodles with the olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mix: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, totaling roughly 8 cups. Set this mixture aside for later use in the sauce and topping.
- Make Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it foams, whisk in the flour continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture takes on a golden hue. This forms the base for your creamy sauce.
- Add Liquids to Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water while whisking firmly. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and just begins to boil, ensuring a lump-free sauce.
- Season Sauce: Add paprika, mustard powder (or Dijon mustard), garlic powder, onion powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly and reduce heat to low. Let simmer while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
- Melt Cheese Into Sauce: Add 3 cups of the cheese mixture to the sauce, stirring until completely melted. Then add another 3 cups, stirring until melted as well. Reserve about 2 cups of cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce to fully coat the pasta. Turn off the heat and taste to adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed for a balanced flavor.
- Bake: Pour the cheesy macaroni evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the top. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden and crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and serve warm immediately for the ultimate comforting and creamy mac and cheese experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian bronze-cut pasta for best texture.
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and enhance flavor.
- Broiling at the end adds a nicely browned crispy cheese crust.
- Feel free to substitute mustard powder with Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor.
- Butter the casserole dish well to prevent sticking and for easy serving.
- Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect taste balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
