How to Make the Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

This guide shows how to make creamy baked mac and cheese from scratch. Gather ingredients like elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, Gruyère, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Cook pasta al dente, build a smooth cheese sauce with roux, assemble in a baking dish, top with buttered panko, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 min for a golden top. Get pro tips like grating cheese fresh, variations like lobster or Southern style, and mistakes to avoid such as overcooking pasta.

Gather essential ingredients for creamy baked mac and cheese.

Pasta

Pick elbow macaroni or short shapes like shells or cavatappi.

Use 16 oz for 8 servings.

Cook al dente to hold sauce well.

Cheese Blend

• Sharp cheddar: 2 cups, adds tang.
• Gruyère: 1 cup, brings nutty flavor.
• Muenster or Monterey Jack: 1/2 cup, boosts creaminess.
• Parmesan: 1/4 cup grated for topping.

Grate fresh, skip pre-shredded for smooth melt.

Sauce Base Roux

Dairy

• Whole milk: 3 cups.
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup optional for extra richness.
• Evaporated milk works for Southern style.

Seasonings

• Mustard powder: 1 tsp.
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp.
• Salt, pepper to taste.
• Cayenne optional for kick.

Toppings

• Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup.
• Melted butter: 2 tbsp.
• Extra cheese or crushed crackers.

Mix crumbs with butter and parm for crunch.

Follow step-by-step instructions to make the cheese sauce and assemble.

Cook the Pasta

• Boil large pot of salted water.
• Add 16 oz elbow macaroni.
• Cook 1-2 min less than package for al dente.
• Drain, dont rinse, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

Make the Roux

• Melt 4 tbsp butter in large pot over med heat.
• Whisk in 1/4 cup flour, cook 2-3 min til bubbly, no browning.

Learn more on mac and cheese sauce from scratch.

Build the Sauce

• Slowly whisk in 3 cups warm whole milk.
• Cook til thickens, coats spoon, 5-7 min.
• Add 1/2 cup heavy cream if want richer.
• Lower heat to low.

Melt the Cheese

• Add 3-4 cups grated cheese in batches, stir til smooth each time.
• Mix in 1 tsp mustard powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper.
• Taste, adjust. Thin with pasta water if thick.

Combine and Assemble

• Stir cooked pasta into cheese sauce til coated.
• Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish.

Prep Topping

• Mix together.
• Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
• Add extra shredded cheese on top optional.

Ready for baking now. Check baked mac and cheese from scratch for full recipe inspo.

Bake to perfection with a golden crispy topping.

Preheat and Setup

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Place rack in middle position.

Use greased 9x13 inch dish.

Baking Time

Check how long to bake mac and cheese at 375 for details.

Bake Steps

• Bake uncovered til edges bubble and top turns golden.
• Rotate dish halfway for even browning.
• Broil 1-2 min on high for extra crisp, watch closely.

Rest and Serve

• Remove from oven.
• Let sit 5-10 min, sauce thickens.
• Serve hot.

Discover pro tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.

Pro Tips

• Grate cheese fresh, pre-shredded wont melt smooth.
• Use room temp milk to avoid lumps in sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
• Assemble ahead, bake later, add 5-10 min time.
• Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

Variations

Common Mistakes

• Overcook pasta, it keeps cooking in oven.
• Add cheese too fast, causes clumps.
• Skip roux, sauce separates.
• Bake too hot, top burns cheese breaks.
• Forget seasonings, tastes flat.