Comfort Food Baked Mac And Cheese

Name: Comfort Food Baked Mac And Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups milk; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Highlighted under: Simple Ideas

There's something truly special about sinking my fork into a bubbling dish of baked mac and cheese. I love how the creamy cheese sauce envelops every piece of pasta, creating a wonderfully comforting meal. It’s a go-to recipe my family asks for time and again, and everyone seems to have their own twist on it. For me, it’s all about using a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella to achieve that perfect balance of flavors. Plus, the golden breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch!

Created by

Frederica Houghton

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:21:34.367Z

When I first perfected my baked mac and cheese recipe, it was a transformative moment in my kitchen. The rich, gooey blend of cheeses combined with perfectly cooked pasta delivered a flavor sensation that left my family raving. I remember experimenting with different cheeses and landed on a mix of aged cheddar and gouda for their great meltability and flavor depth. This became our family favorite and still gets everyone excited at mealtime.

A tip I found invaluable while making this dish is to ensure the pasta is al dente before adding it to the cheese sauce. This prevents the pasta from turning mushy during baking. The result is a dish that's irresistibly cheesy and truly heavenly! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadently creamy with a luxurious cheese blend
Golden brown, crispy topping for added texture
Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins

      

Getting the Ideal Texture

Achieving the perfect baked mac and cheese texture is all about the balance between creamy and crunchy. For a creamier dish, ensure that the cheese sauce is smooth and well-blended before adding the pasta. If you find your sauce too thick, adding a splash more milk can help loosen it up, ensuring every elbow macaroni is generously coated.

On the other hand, the breadcrumb topping deserves some attention. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for a crunchier texture. Tossing the breadcrumbs in melted butter before sprinkling them on top enhances flavor and helps achieve that golden brown finish as it bakes.

Customizing Your Mac and Cheese

One of the beauties of baked mac and cheese is its versatility. If you're looking to spice things up, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers right into the cheese sauce. These not only add flavor but also extra nutrition, making the dish a bit more wholesome.

For meat lovers, crispy bacon or crumbled sausage mixed in can elevate your comfort food from simple to sensational. Just make sure to drain excess grease before mixing it in with the pasta and sauce to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming overly oily.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make the ultimate comfort meal:

Ingredients for Baked Mac and Cheese

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready for a smoother cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious baked mac and cheese:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder, and garlic powder, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, adding salt and pepper to taste. Make sure all the pasta is well coated.

Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve

Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of baked mac and cheese!

Allow your baked mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes for better serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor kick, consider mixing in cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, or even diced tomatoes into the cheese sauce before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Baked mac and cheese can easily be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. After you assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Ideally, you should bake it within 24 hours for the best flavor and texture, but it can be stored for up to three days.

When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to come closer to room temperature. This helps it heat evenly. If baked from cold, you may need to extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Troubleshooting

One common issue with baked mac and cheese is that it can turn out dry if overcooked. To avoid this, keep a close watch during the baking process, removing it from the oven as soon as the top is golden and the edges are bubbly, usually around 25-30 minutes. A quick visual check can save you from a disappointing texture.

If you find your mac and cheese is too thick after it has cooled, a splash of milk can help revive the creamy sauce when reheating. Just add it gradually until the desired consistency is reached. Remember, reheating in the oven will help maintain the crusty topping, but if you're pressed for time, the microwave works well too—just cover it to prevent drying out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Just replace the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I add to this mac and cheese?

You can customize it with add-ins like broccoli, lobster, or different cheeses to enhance the flavor!