This Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Its creamy, cheesy goodness will satisfy any cheese lover’s cravings, making it a family favorite. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and golden, bubbly topping.
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden and bubbly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine and taste the sauce to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture.
- If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer. This will add a deliciously crispy topping to your mac and cheese.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the rich and creamy dish.
Cooking Notes
- For a creamier mac and cheese, you can add an extra cup of milk or a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce. This will make the sauce even more luxurious.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist. Mixing different cheeses can add depth and complexity to the dish.
- To make this dish even more indulgent, you can add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions to the cheese sauce before baking. These additions provide extra flavor and texture.
Variations
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Use cauliflower florets instead of elbow macaroni. Steam or roast the cauliflower until tender before mixing with the cheese sauce.
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for the cheese sauce.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional elbow macaroni.
- Ensure that the flour used for the cheese sauce is gluten-free.
Vegan Version:
- Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.
- Use plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk.
- Replace the cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also be added for a cheesy flavor.
This Beginner Friendly Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with a crunchy topping create a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is a surefire way to delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your cheesy creation and share it with loved ones for a meal that will be remembered!
Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
