Baked Mac Cheese: 5 Comforting Variations to Try

Baked Mac Cheese is a beloved dish that everyone seems to adore. This ultra creamy baked mac and cheese is made from scratch with a rich cheese sauce, elbow pasta, and a crispy Panko-Parmesan topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or just a cozy weeknight meal. Let’s dive into why this dish is so special and how you can make it at home!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac Cheese

There are countless reasons to fall in love with **Baked Mac Cheese**. First off, it’s a classic comfort food that pleases both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main dish, it never fails to satisfy. Using a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese, it boasts a rich, creamy flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that allows for various add-ins, making it easy to customize to your taste. With options like **baked mac and cheese with breadcrumbs** or even **baked mac cheese with bacon**, you can easily make it your own. Plus, it’s a vegetarian dish, making it a great option for those who prefer meatless meals. And the best part? You can whip it up in just about an hour!

Ingredients for Baked Mac Cheese

Gather these items:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

How to Make Baked Mac Cheese Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 3-qt or 4-qt baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook macaroni 1 minute less than al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute until golden and bubbly.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer and whisk until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add shredded cheese gradually, whisking until sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Stir in cooked pasta until well coated with cheese sauce.
7. Step 7: Layer half of the pasta mixture in baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then top with remaining pasta.
8. Step 8: In a bowl, mix Panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Spread on top of mac and cheese.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Mac Cheese

Keep these in mind:

• Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the cheese sauce thicken.
• For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of white wine to the cheese sauce.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors.
• This recipe is perfect for meal prep; make it ahead and reheat for a quick dinner.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Mac Cheese

There are so many ways to enjoy **Baked Mac Cheese**! Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal or pair it with roasted vegetables for a comforting dinner. You can also turn it into a complete meal by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Looking for a kid-friendly option? Consider serving it with a side of fruit for a colorful plate!

How to Store and Reheat Baked Mac Cheese

To store your **Baked Mac Cheese**, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep, as you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Mac Cheese

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Mac Cheese?

The secret lies in the cheese! Use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a rich, creamy flavor. Don’t forget to let it rest after baking; this allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. It’s a great way to make your homemade baked mac and cheese extra special!

Can I make Baked Mac Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. This is perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Mac Cheese?

To avoid common pitfalls, make sure not to overcook the pasta before mixing it with the cheese sauce. Also, ensure your cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumping. Following these tips will lead you to the best baked macaroni and cheese recipe ever!

Variations of Baked Mac Cheese You Can Try

There are endless possibilities when it comes to **Baked Mac Cheese** variations! Try adding cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier dish or mix in vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition. You can create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. The options are plentiful, so feel free to get creative!

Baked Mac Cheese: 5 Comforting Variations to Try

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This ultra creamy baked mac and cheese is made from scratch with a rich cheese sauce, elbow pasta, and a crispy Panko-Parmesan topping. Perfect comfort food for dinner, holidays, or weeknights.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 3-qt or 4-qt baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni 1 minute less than al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute until golden and bubbly.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer and whisk until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add shredded cheese gradually, whisking until sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in cooked pasta until well coated with cheese sauce.
7. Layer half of the pasta mixture in baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then top with remaining pasta.
8. In a bowl, mix Panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Spread on top of mac and cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 642
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 100mg