The BEST Baked Mac and Cheese

$- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Gather these simple ingredients to make the best baked mac and cheese. Each item plays a key role in creating that creamy, cheesy goodness. The elbow macaroni is your pasta base, while butter and flour form the roux to thicken your cheese sauce. Whole milk or 2% milk ensures your sauce stays rich and smooth. Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth of flavor. The optional cayenne pepper gives a tiny kick, but it’s not necessary. The sharp cheddar and mozzarella create the perfect cheese blend. Breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil give a crunchy topping. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all these flavors. Fresh parsley is a nice touch for garnish, making your dish pop visually. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Enjoy your cooking! 1. Preheat the oven and cook the macaroni First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting that perfect bake. Next, cook 8 oz of elbow macaroni. Follow the package instructions for best results. Cook it until it's just al dente. Drain it and let it cool a bit. 2. Make the cheese sauce and combine ingredients In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for about 1 minute until smooth. Then, slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. After it thickens, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. You can add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a little kick if you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Finally, fold in the macaroni, making sure every piece is coated. 1. Transfer mac and cheese to baking dish Pour the creamy mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly for a nice bake. 2. Add breadcrumb topping, bake, and final touches In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese for a crunchy top. For an extra cheesy finish, add the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the breadcrumbs. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden brown top. Once done, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. You can add fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your creamy comfort dish! You can find the complete recipe in the Full Recipe section. To make your baked mac and cheese extra creamy, focus on the sauce. Use whole milk for richness. Mix in a bit of cream for an even silkier texture. Whisk your milk slowly into the roux to avoid lumps. This will ensure a smooth sauce that coats every noodle. For the best topping, use fresh breadcrumbs. Mix them with a little olive oil to help them crisp. This gives a nice crunch and adds flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for that gooey finish. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it until it is just al dente. It will continue to cook while baking, and you don’t want mushy noodles. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. The sauce needs salt and pepper to shine. Taste the cheese sauce before mixing in the pasta. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. A dash of cayenne can add a nice kick, but it’s optional. Follow these tips, and you will create the best baked mac and cheese! For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. {{image_4}} You can easily make your baked mac and cheese more exciting. Adding vegetables boosts both taste and nutrition. Try mixing in broccoli or spinach. These greens add great color and flavor. They also make the dish healthier. You can also include proteins like bacon or chicken. Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it up and mix it in. For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. Both options add a savory kick to your dish. Changing up your cheese can also transform this meal. Instead of just cheddar and mozzarella, try different cheese blends. Gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack can add unique flavors. Each cheese brings a different taste and texture. If you want a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheeses. Many brands offer great alternatives that melt well. Look for options made from nuts or soy. These choices keep your mac and cheese creamy without dairy. Explore these variations to create your own perfect dish. Each change offers a new way to enjoy this comfort food. Check out the Full Recipe to get started! To keep your baked mac and cheese fresh, start by cooling it down. Once it's cool, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This method will keep it good for up to three months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best method is to reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer your mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This will help keep the top crispy while the inside stays creamy. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it earlier. Cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce. Combine them, but do not bake yet. Store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy days. Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! You can use gluten-free elbow macaroni. It tastes great too. Just follow the cooking time on the package. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious. How can I make this dish spicier? To spice it up, add more cayenne pepper. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. For an extra kick, mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. What can I serve with baked mac and cheese? Baked mac and cheese pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it with grilled meats like chicken or steak for a complete meal. Is the best baked mac and cheese recipe customizable? Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach. For protein, consider adding cooked bacon or chicken. Change the cheese types for different flavors too. What is the origin of baked mac and cheese? Baked mac and cheese has roots in Italy and the UK. It became popular in the United States in the 18th century. It has grown into a beloved comfort food worldwide. You can find many versions across different cultures. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Baked mac and cheese is simple and delicious. We started with key ingredients like elbow macaroni, cheddar, and mozzarella. Then, we covered step-by-step instructions to guide you. Tips and tricks helped you avoid mistakes, and we explored fun ways to change the recipe. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them to keep them tasty. This recipe is all about comfort and creativity. Enjoy making it your own!$

Bring comfort food to your table with this ultimate creamy baked mac and cheese recipe! Discover how to make perfectly cheesy macaroni with a rich sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. This dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings and will have everyone coming back for more. Click through to get the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delicious classic!

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Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

In a medium pot, cook the elbow macaroni as per the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Afterward, drain the macaroni and set it aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Once it's melted, add the all-purpose flour, whisking constantly until it forms a smooth paste (often called a roux). Cook this for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour flavor.

Slowly pour in the milk, continuously whisking to avoid any lumps forming. Keep stirring the mixture while it cooks for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and starts to bubble slightly.

Once the sauce has thickened, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season this mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Stir until both cheeses are melted and the sauce is beautifully smooth.

Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring that every piece of pasta is well coated.

Transfer this mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or any similar oven-proof dish that you have on hand.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are well-coated and slightly moistened. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese for that perfect crunchy topping.

To elevate the cheesy flavor, add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the breadcrumbs, allowing for an ooey-gooey finish.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbling and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 6 servings

Enjoy your decadent, creamy baked mac and cheese that is sure to please everyone at the table!