Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food at Its Best

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of baked macaroni and cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, this dish always delivers. In fact, its universal appeal has made it a favorite for generations. With a rich, velvety sauce made from white sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses, this recipe takes classic mac and cheese to the next level.

But why is baked mac and cheese so beloved? First, it combines the best of textures—silky pasta coated in creamy cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crunchy crust. Next, it’s versatile. You can serve it as a hearty main dish or as a delicious side that pairs perfectly with roasted meats, fresh vegetables, or even a crisp green salad.

This recipe is also designed to be approachable, even for beginners. The step-by-step instructions ensure you’ll achieve a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Plus, it includes helpful tips to customize the dish, so you can make it your own. For example, if you love extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle more cheese on top before baking. Or, if you crave a little crunch, adding seasoned breadcrumbs is an excellent choice.

Moreover, using freshly shredded white sharp cheddar and parmesan guarantees that the sauce will melt into a smooth and luxurious consistency. So, as you prepare this dish, you’ll enjoy the aroma of cheese bubbling away in the oven—a surefire way to create anticipation at the dinner table.

Ultimately, this baked mac and cheese recipe brings together everything we love about home cooking: simplicity, comfort, and big, bold flavors. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this classic dish remains a timeless favorite.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups elbow macaroni
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk (slightly warmed)
2 cups shredded white sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ cup finely chopped chives (for garnish)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping, optional)
½ cup additional cheese mix (white sharp cheddar & parmesan, optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the macaroni: First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook for 7–8 minutes, or until al dente. After cooking, drain the macaroni well and set it aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt 3 tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes, or until golden and smooth. Then, slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add cheeses and seasonings: After that, reduce the heat, and stir in the white sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Next, season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Combine macaroni and sauce: Once the sauce is perfectly creamy, pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Gently fold the pasta to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
5. Prepare for baking: Now, grease a 9×9 baking dish. Then, transfer the macaroni mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to create a smooth surface.
6. Add cheese and optional topping: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle ½ cup of the additional cheese mix (white sharp cheddar & parmesan) over the top. Additionally, if you like a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
7. Bake to perfection: Then, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and serve: Finally, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Generously sprinkle finely chopped chives on top for a fresh, flavorful finish that enhances the presentation.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe:

• Shred your cheddar and grate your parmesan for the creamiest texture: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. Shredding fresh white sharp cheddar and grating parmesan cheese ensures a creamy, velvety sauce that’s perfect for this dish.
• Don’t overcook the macaroni: For perfectly baked mac and cheese, cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles after baking. Remember, the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven!
• Customize the toppings for extra flavor: While the panko breadcrumb topping adds crunch, you can experiment by adding a pinch of smoked paprika, dried herbs, or even more shredded cheese to enhance the golden, cheesy crust.