Description
When we talk about classic baked mac and cheese, we are referring to a specific culinary masterpiece that balances two distinct textures. First, you have the interior: a velvety, rich, and creamy cheese sauce that envelops every individual tube of macaroni. Second, you have the exterior: a crispy, buttery, and slightly salty topping that provides a necessary crunch to contrast the softness underneath.
Ingredients
Pasta
250 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
Salt for boiling water
Cheese sauce
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (warm)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup shredded mozzarella (or more cheddar)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
½ tsp mustard powder (optional, boosts flavor)
Topping
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko if possible)
1–2 tbsp melted butter
Extra cheese (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Boil in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm).
Drain and set aside.
Make the roux
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook about 1 minute (it should smell slightly nutty).
Make the sauce
Gradually whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps.
Cook, stirring, until thickened (3–5 minutes).
Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
Turn heat low and stir in cheese until smooth.
Combine
Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Add topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
Add extra cheese if you want it extra gooey.
Bake
Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Rest
Let sit 5 minutes before serving (it thickens and slices better).
Notes
Feel free to customize this baked mac and cheese with your favorite add-ins like grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat. You can also mix different cheeses to create your own signature flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~420 kcal
Keywords: Homemade baked macaroni and cheese, creamy oven baked pasta, traditional cheesy macaroni recipe, southern style baked mac