Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes

Table of Contents

Classic baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but the key to the perfect dish lies in the roux, the cheese sauce, and the baking process. The article breaks down the essential steps for making the creamiest baked mac and cheese, including tips on choosing the right cheese, making the perfect roux, and baking it to golden perfection. It also covers how to make it ahead of time, freeze it, and reheat it without drying it out. The article also includes a section on the best cheeses to use, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to reheat leftovers without drying them out.

Question	Answer
What makes baked mac and cheese creamy?	The roux and the cheese sauce are the key to creamy baked mac and cheese.
Can you freeze baked mac and cheese?	Yes, but the sauce may separate when thawed, so add milk when reheating.
What's the best cheese for baked mac and cheese?	Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but a mix of cheeses like Gruyère and Parmesan can add depth.
How do you reheat baked mac and cheese without drying it out?	Add a splash of milk or cream and reheat low and slow to keep it creamy.
Can you make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?	Yes, undercook the pasta and make the sauce a little thinner, as it will thicken while it sits.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Nothing beats the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic baked mac and cheese. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a little extra comfort. The key to the perfect baked mac and cheese is in the roux, the cheese sauce, and the baking process itself. Here's how to make the best baked mac and cheese.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powderPreheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta until al dente. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the cheese and seasonings. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce. Pour into a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

How to Make the Creamiest Baked Mac and Cheese

Want to know the secret to the creamiest baked mac and cheese? The key is in the roux, the cheese sauce, and the baking process. Here's how to make the creamiest baked mac and cheese every single time.

Make the Perfect Roux

The roux is the foundation of the cheese sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This will take about 2-3 minutes. This roux will thicken the cheese sauce and give it that rich, creamy texture.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Once the roux is ready, gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Assemble and Bake

Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

Use whole milk or half-and-half for a richer sauce.
Don't overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
Grate your own cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Season the cheese sauce with a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of hot sauce for extra depth.
Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little butter and Parmesan for a crunchy topping.

Best Cheeses for Baked Mac and Cheese

Choosing the right cheese is crucial for the perfect baked mac and cheese. The best cheeses melt smoothly, add rich flavor, and create the perfect texture. Here's what you need to know about the best cheeses for baked mac and cheese.

Sharp Cheddar: The Classic Choice

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for baked mac and cheese. It melts well and has a rich, sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for the best flavor and texture.

Other Great Cheeses to Try

While cheddar is classic, other cheeses can add unique flavors and textures. Try adding a bit of Gruyère for a nutty flavor, or some Parmesan for a salty, umami kick. A little bit of mozzarella can add extra creaminess and stretchiness. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well and don't become stringy or grainy.

Cheeses to Avoid in Baked Mac and Cheese

Some cheeses don't work well in baked mac and cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese because it doesn't melt as smoothly. Also avoid cheeses like feta or halloumi that don't melt well. The goal is a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

Pro Tips for Cheese Selection

Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
Grate your own cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes fresher.
Don't use pre-shredded cheese—it has additives that prevent smooth melting.

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time

Want to make baked mac and cheese ahead of time for a party or potluck? Here's how to prep it so it stays creamy and delicious. The key is to undercook the pasta and make the cheese sauce a little thinner than usual because it will thicken as it sits.

Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese Tips

Cook the pasta until just al dente because it will finish cooking in the oven.
Make the cheese sauce a little thinner than usual because it will thicken as it sits.
Store the pasta and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When ready to bake, just combine and bake as usual.

How to Freeze Mac and Cheese

You can freeze mac and cheese, but the sauce may separate when thawed. Here's how to do it right:

Undercook the pasta and make the sauce a little thinner than usual.
Cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Reheating Tips for Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Bake covered with foil at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Then uncover and bake until golden and bubbly.

How to Reheat Baked Mac and Cheese Without Drying It Out

Leftover baked mac and cheese can dry out in the fridge. Here's how to reheat it so it stays creamy:

Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it creamy.
Cover with foil to prevent drying out in the oven.
Heat low and slow to prevent curdling the sauce.

How to Reheat Baked Mac and Cheese Without Drying It Out

Leftover baked mac and cheese can dry out in the fridge, but you can reheat it so it's just as creamy as the first time you served it. Here's how to do it without drying it out.

Reheating Tips for Baked Mac and Cheese

Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce before reheating.
Cover with foil to prevent drying out in the oven.
Heat low and slow to prevent curdling the sauce.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Put the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir to loosen the sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese in the Microwave

Put the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir to combine. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Repeat until heated through. Let stand for a minute before serving.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese on the Stovetop

Put the mac and cheese in a saucepan. Add a splash of milk or cream and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until heated through. Add a little more milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Do not let it boil or the sauce can curdle.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Put the mac and cheese in a heatproof dish. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir to combine. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check and repeat until heated through. The air fryer will help re-crisp the top without drying out the sauce.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot

Use the slow cooker function on the Instant Pot. Add a splash of milk or cream to the inner pot. Add the mac and cheese and heat on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method is great for keeping it creamy without drying out the sauce.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese in the Slow Cooker

If you have a slow cooker, you can reheat mac and cheese on low for 1-2 hours. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir occasionally to keep it creamy. This is perfect for potlucks or when you need to keep it warm for a while without drying out.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Put the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir to combine. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.