Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe – Best Oven Baked Dinner
Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. It combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crisp topping, creating a perfect balance of textures in every bite. Unlike stovetop mac and cheese, the baked version develops a slightly crunchy crust that adds depth and an irresistible aroma to your kitchen.
Whether you are cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a soul food feast, this dish delivers warmth, indulgence, and satisfaction that appeals to kids and adults alike. Its creamy, cheesy interior paired with a perfectly baked topping makes it a centerpiece worthy of any table. What makes this Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe truly special is the versatility and depth of flavor it offers.
Using a blend of cheeses, subtle seasonings, and precise baking techniques, the dish becomes both comforting and elevated. Homemade mac and cheese is more than just pasta and cheese; it is an experience that showcases the art of balancing textures and flavors. From the smooth, velvety sauce to the golden brown crust, every bite feels carefully crafted, making it a favorite for Thanksgiving cooking, soul food meals, or simply as a delicious weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy enough for home cooks to master yet delivers results that feel indulgent and professional, embodying everything you want from a timeless mac and cheese recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe is irresistible because it balances creamy richness with a perfectly crisp topping. Unlike store-bought alternatives, it is made from scratch, which means you control the quality of the cheese, milk, and seasonings. The sauce is smooth and velvety, coating each macaroni piece evenly, while the baked crust offers a satisfying crunch. It is versatile and forgiving, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to achieve excellent results.
The recipe is also highly adaptable you can incorporate your favorite cheeses, spices, or even proteins to elevate it further. It’s a dish that brings comfort, joy, and a sense of accomplishment, making it an instant favorite for dinner parties, holidays, or casual weeknight indulgence.
Preparation and Cooking Time
This recipe is designed to be efficient while delivering maximum flavor. With under an hour from start to finish, you can serve a homemade, baked mac and cheese recipe that rivals restaurant-quality versions.
Ingredients
Substitution Notes:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside. Draining slightly undercooked ensures the pasta finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly add the warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, and smoked paprika to infuse the sauce with flavor. Gradually add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy, rich, and velvety, ready to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure each piece is fully coated. Take care not to break the pasta while mixing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The macaroni should be evenly coated with a thick, cheesy sauce, creating the perfect base for baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula to create a uniform layer. This ensures even baking and a consistent crust across the entire dish.
Step 5: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. This topping will create a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Optional: sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and browning.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Halfway through baking, you can rotate the dish to ensure even browning. For extra crispness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Serve hot for the ultimate creamy, cheesy experience.
How to Serve
Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe can be served as a main dish or a side. Plate it in shallow bowls or individual ramekins for a cozy presentation. For added flair, drizzle with a bit of truffle oil or sprinkle extra grated cheese on top. Pair it with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For soul food gatherings, serve alongside fried chicken, collard greens, or baked beans. Presentation tips include using a rustic wooden board for family-style serving or colorful oven-safe dishes to make the table visually appealing.
Additional Tips
Recipe Variations
These variations allow home cooks to adapt the Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe for any occasion, dietary preference, or flavor profile, while keeping the creamy, cheesy base that makes this dish universally loved. You can also try Ground beef stroganoff as a main course for weeknight dinner!
Freezing and Storage
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 8 servings):
Values may vary depending on the exact cheeses and milk used.
Final Words
Cooking Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe at home is a rewarding experience that combines the satisfaction of making a beloved comfort dish with the creativity of customizing flavors and textures. By making it from scratch, you control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a dish that is richer, creamier, and more flavorful than any store-bought alternative. This recipe is versatile, adaptable, and approachable, making it perfect for family dinners, holidays, or soul food gatherings. The golden, bubbly topping paired with the velvety, cheesy pasta is a combination that never fails to delight. Every step, from making the cheese sauce to baking and garnishing, teaches valuable techniques that elevate your overall cooking skills.
Sharing a homemade baked mac and cheese brings joy not just through taste but also through the warmth and togetherness it fosters at the table. It is the kind of dish that people remember, request repeatedly, and associate with comfort, family, and love. Experiment with variations, try new cheeses, or incorporate your favorite mix-ins to make it uniquely yours. This is a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.
Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe shows that even simple dishes can be extraordinary when prepared with care, quality ingredients, and attention to detail. It encourages home cooks to embrace creativity while mastering classic techniques. Whether it becomes a weekly staple or a holiday showstopper, this recipe will earn a permanent place in your kitchen and your family’s hearts.
FAQ’s
Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe – Best Oven Baked Dinner
Course: Dinner Recipes6
servings20
minutes30
minutes520
kcalIngredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for topping
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside. Draining slightly undercooked ensures the pasta finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly add the warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, and smoked paprika to infuse the sauce with flavor. Gradually add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy, rich, and velvety, ready to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure each piece is fully coated. Take care not to break the pasta while mixing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The macaroni should be evenly coated with a thick, cheesy sauce, creating the perfect base for baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula to create a uniform layer. This ensures even baking and a consistent crust across the entire dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. This topping will create a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Optional: sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and browning.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Halfway through baking, you can rotate the dish to ensure even browning. For extra crispness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Serve hot for the ultimate creamy, cheesy experience.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melt and smoother sauce.
- Warm milk slightly before adding to the roux to prevent lumps.
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente to avoid overcooking in the oven.
- Stir the sauce frequently while adding cheese to achieve uniform creaminess.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Use a mix of cheeses to create depth of flavor and a gooey texture.
- Breadcrumb topping can be mixed with Parmesan or herbs for additional flavor.
