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A golden-brown casserole dish filled with baked mac and cheese, ready to serve

Best way to grow with 3 Baked Mac and Cheese tips

This recipe provides three essential tips for making delicious baked mac and cheese, ensuring a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked dish every time. It's a comforting classic made even better with these simple techniques.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 4 cups Milk
  • 4 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika

Topping (Optional)

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Melted butter

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
  • Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika, stirring to combine.
  • Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until it is evenly coated.
  • Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  • If desired, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  • Let the baked mac and cheese stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a pinch of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce to your cheese sauce. To prevent your mac and cheese from drying out, ensure your pasta is slightly undercooked when you add it to the cheese sauce, as it will continue to cook in the oven. For a super crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes at the very end, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.