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
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250 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
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Salt for boiling water
Cheese sauce
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3 tbsp butter
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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3 cups milk (warm)
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (or more cheddar)
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika (optional)
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½ tsp mustard powder (optional, boosts flavor)
Topping
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½ cup breadcrumbs (panko if possible)
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1–2 tbsp melted butter
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Extra cheese (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta
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Boil in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm).
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Drain and set aside.
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Make the roux
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook about 1 minute (it should smell slightly nutty).
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Make the sauce
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Gradually whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps.
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Cook, stirring, until thickened (3–5 minutes).
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Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
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Turn heat low and stir in cheese until smooth.
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Combine
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Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
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Pour into a greased baking dish.
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Add topping
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Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
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Add extra cheese if you want it extra gooey.
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Bake
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Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
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Rest
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Let sit 5 minutes before serving (it thickens and slices better).
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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