Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the classic baked mac and cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and with a crunchy golden top, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you’re simply craving a hearty meal. Our Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe offers layers of gooey, melted cheese paired with perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a deliciously crispy breadcrumb crust. Whether you’re a mac and cheese enthusiast or looking to elevate your traditional recipe, this one is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or any tubular pasta of your choice)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

this RECIPE

Choosing the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese

The key to a great mac and cheese lies in the combination of cheeses used. For this recipe, sharp cheddar and Gruyere create the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Sharp cheddar gives you that rich, tangy flavor, while Gruyere melts smoothly, offering a buttery texture. Additionally, the Parmesan in the panko topping adds a delightful nuttiness to complement the dish. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even gouda to create a personalized twist.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cheese Sauce

The secret to a perfectly creamy baked mac and cheese is in the cheese sauce. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a velvety and rich result:

1. Melt the butter: Start by melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a deep saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour: Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1/3 cup of flour. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and golden. This process helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Add milk and cream: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened. You’ll notice bubbles forming—this means the sauce is coming together.
4. Incorporate the cheese: Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar and 2 cups of shredded Gruyere, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This cheese sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, making it the perfect base for the pasta.

How to Cook the Perfect Pasta for Mac and Cheese

Cooking the pasta correctly is essential for achieving the ideal texture in your mac and cheese. Here’s how to do it:

• Cook pasta al dente: Follow the package instructions but cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente. This ensures it won’t become mushy after baking.
• Coat with olive oil: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, drizzle it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce. This prevents the pasta from sticking together.

Layering and Baking Your Mac and Cheese

For a perfectly baked mac and cheese, layering is key. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish.
2. Layer pasta and cheese: Pour half of the pasta and cheese mixture into the baking dish. Top it with 2 cups of shredded cheese. Add the remaining mac and cheese on top, ensuring even layers.
3. Add the topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

The Best Panko Topping for Crispy Mac and Cheese

A standout baked mac and cheese has a crunchy, golden topping. The combination of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and butter gives your dish the ultimate texture contrast. The panko adds lightness and crispness, while the butter helps it turn beautifully golden in the oven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long before baking results in a mushy texture. Stick to the one-minute-shy-of-al-dente rule.
2. Skipping the roux: A roux (the butter-flour mixture) is essential for a creamy sauce. Skipping this step can result in a sauce that is too thin or lumpy.
3. Not seasoning enough: Make sure to taste the cheese sauce before adding the pasta. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Mac and Cheese

Presentation can elevate your baked mac and cheese to a new level. For a family dinner, consider serving it in the baking dish garnished with fresh parsley or green onions. If you’re hosting a gathering, portion the mac and cheese into ramekins for individual servings. Either way, the golden crust and cheesy interior will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Mac and Cheese Recipe Variations

Looking to add a unique twist to your mac and cheese? Here are a few ideas:

• Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon bits for a heartier meal.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat.
• Vegetable mix-ins: For a healthier spin, stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers before baking.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which may be rare!), store them properly to enjoy later:

• Storing: Transfer leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the mac and cheese for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps retain that crispy topping.

FAQ

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What other cheese can I use?
Feel free to substitute the cheddar or Gruyere with cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for different flavors and textures.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming dry?
Make sure your cheese sauce is thick and creamy before baking, and don’t overbake the mac and cheese. Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking if you’re concerned about moisture loss.

Conclusion

This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunchy topping. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that will always impress. Try it for yourself and see how this classic recipe can be the star of your next gathering.

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