Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Sharp Cheddar

Make this baked mac and cheese recipe cheddar style using fresh sharp cheddar and a homemade roux.

Cook elbow macaroni and mix with a creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and whole milk.

Top the mixture with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan before baking at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Let the dish rest to set the sauce.

Serve with savory toppings like bacon or spicy jalapenos for extra flavor.

Gather your essential ingredients for the dish.

Collect these specific items before you begin cooking. Quality ingredients ensure a creamy texture and bold flavor in your baked mac and cheese recipe cheddar style.

Primary Components

• Pasta: 1 pound dried elbow macaroni.
• Cheese: 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese. Grate it yourself from a block.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided for sauce and topping.
• Milk: 4 cups whole milk. Higher fat content creates a richer sauce.

Sauce Thickeners

You need a roux to thicken the liquid base properly.

• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder.

Breadcrumb Topping

A crunchy topping adds texture to the soft pasta.

Select sharp cheddar for a robust flavor profile. Mild varieties often get lost in the sauce. Sharp cheddar stands up to the milk and butter. Use whole milk for the creamiest base. Low-fat options result in a watery texture.

Prepare the creamy cheddar cheese sauce.

Create the Roux

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk flour into the melted butter.

Stir constantly for one minute.

The paste bubbles and smells slightly nutty.

This step cooks out the raw flour taste.

Add Dairy

Slowly pour milk into the roux.

Whisk vigorously while pouring.

Ensure no lumps form.

Turn heat to medium-low.

Simmer gently until sauce thickens.

It should coat the back of a spoon.

Melt Cheese

Remove pan from heat completely.

Add shredded sharp cheddar gradually.

Stir until cheese melts completely.

Refer to the seasoning guide below.

Mix until sauce is smooth and glossy.

Seasoning Guide

Troubleshooting Tips

• Grainy sauce means cheese was added to liquid that was too hot.
• Lumpy sauce means flour was not whisked enough initially.
• Thin sauce needs more simmering time to reduce.

Assemble and bake the macaroni casserole.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly until every noodle is coated in sauce. Ensure no dry pasta remains at the bottom of the pot. The mixture should look very wet, not sticky.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Use the middle oven rack for consistent heat.

Add Crunchy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni. Cover the entire surface. The topping creates a flavorful, golden crust.

Baking Instructions

Place the dish in the oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.

Cooling Time

Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes. This step is crucial. It allows the sauce to set and thicken. Cutting too early results in a runny texture. Serve warm.

Serve with your favorite toppings.

Classic Savory Additions

Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the hot casserole. Smoked paprika adds a savory depth. Caramelized onions provide a sweet contrast. Diced ham turns this dish into a main course. Buffalo chicken chunks make it a hearty meal.

• Bacon: 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled.
• Ham: 1 cup cooked and cubed.
• Breadcrumbs: Extra toasted crumbs for crunch.
• Broccoli: Steamed florets for texture.

Fresh and Spicy Options

Balance the rich cheese with fresh elements. Chopped chives add mild onion flavor. Fresh parsley brings color. Jalapeno slices introduce heat. A drizzle of truffle oil elevates the dish instantly. Sriracha adds a garlic kick.

Topping Pairing Guide

Serve immediately for the best texture. The sauce thickens as it cools. Portion leftovers into airtight containers. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This baked mac and cheese recipe cheddar style pairs well with roasted vegetables.