Baked Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features a creamy, cheesy sauce and a golden, bubbly top. Made with three kinds of cheese—cheddar, Gruyere, and Gouda—this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Easy to make and loaded with rich flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
  • 1 lb. elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for boiling water)
• For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Cheese Blend:
  • 3 cups cheddar, shredded
  • 2 cups Gruyere, shredded
  • 1 cup Gouda, shredded

Instructions:

Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and measure out all ingredients before starting.
2. Begin boiling a large pot of water for the macaroni. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the water. Cook the macaroni 1 minute less than al dente (approximately 7 minutes or follow package instructions). Drain and set aside in the same warm pot.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually stir in the flour using a silicone spatula. Continue stirring for about 2 minutes until it forms a light brown roux.
2. Slowly add the heavy cream and milk in small splashes, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Avoid adding too quickly to prevent breaking the roux.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, uncovered, while you boil the pasta. Stir periodically to prevent sticking or clumping.
4. Add the hot sauce, mustard powder, salt, onion powder, and pepper to the simmering sauce. Stir well and remove from heat.
5. Gradually add 4 cups of shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni in the warm pot. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese evenly on top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For a golden, crispy topping, broil at 450°F for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The perfect balance of gooey cheese and creamy sauce.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your favorite cheeses and add-ins.
• Comfort Food Classic: A family favorite that’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfectly indulgent and satisfying for cheese lovers.

Tips

• Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
• Roux Consistency: Stir the roux constantly and add liquids gradually to ensure a smooth sauce.
• Pasta Cooking: Undercook the macaroni slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
• Baking Time: Broil carefully to avoid burning the top.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Swap Gruyere or Gouda for mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.
• Add-Ins: Mix in cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Serving

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or BBQ ribs for a hearty dinner.
• Top with breadcrumbs for added crunch before baking.

Suggestions

• Toppings: Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor.
• Meal Prep: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick and easy meals.
• Kid-Friendly: Serve with chicken nuggets or hot dogs for a kid-approved dinner.