Everyone has those super memorable family recipes and meals that bring them back to being a kid. The ones that maybe aren’t the most amazing culinarily speaking, but to you it brings up all that sentimental goodness and just takes ya back. As I’m sure you guessed by now, one of those meals for me is my grandmom’s baked mac and cheese.
Back when my mom was a kid, she along with my aunts and uncle, would have this every Friday for dinner, or so I’m told. Even my cousins remember this meal. It was a big casserole of baked mac and cheese along with lots of fried fish sticks (Mrs. Paul’s to be exact) and stewed tomatoes. And, while I didn’t have this as a typical Friday night meal when I was a kid, I did have it pretty frequently whenever I went to my grandmom’s house.
Luckily my mom still has the recipe, so when I was in the mood for something a little nostalgic and comforting, I could make this. I had made a few tweaks to the original recipe, and I figured why not go all out and make the full meal. Ry was nice enough to grab everything we needed, so Friday night fish and mac it was.
This is a pretty classic baked mac and cheese recipe, but you could certainly make this as a stovetop version if you want. Just be sure to cook your pasta all the way. Since this goes in the oven for about 35mins I undercooked the pasta by about 2 mins to make sure it wasn’t complete mush by the time I pulled it out. Also, this makes a lot of mac and cheese for just two people, might be more appropriate for 4+, but the leftovers are perfection. I filled a large pie dish and these two smaller individual portions in the photos. It also freezes well.
The ones that maybe aren’t the most amazing culinarily speaking, but to you it brings up all that sentimental goodness and just takes ya back.
Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese – Easy, Creamy, & Crunchy!
Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe has been in my family for generations, bringing back memories of Friday night dinners at my Grandmom’s house. Whether you’re making this for a holiday meal, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this homemade mac and cheese is guaranteed to impress. The best part? It’s super creamy, loaded with melty cheese, and topped with the most irresistible crunchy topping!
Why This is the Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Ultra creamy texture: A luscious cheese sauce coats every, single piece of pasta.
- Perfectly cheesy: A blend of cheeses gives it a rich, delicious flavor.
- Golden, Crispy Topping: A golden panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect finishing crunch.
- Easy to make: Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe simple and doable for all home cooks.
- Great for Make-Ahead: Assemble in advance and bake when needed.
Ingredients for the Creamiest Baked Mac and Cheese
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb rigatoni or elbow macaroni or any shape you like
- 3 C whole milk
- 8 tbsp 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 C all-purpose flour
- 8 oz extra-sharp cheddar – grated, reserve ~2oz for topping
- 6 oz swiss – grated
- fresh ground nutmeg – just a little
- fresh ground black pepper
- salt
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 oz extra-sharp cheddar – grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- more pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions to make The Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta. Undercook it by about 3-5 minutes. You want to make sure the pasta is al dente, it will continue to cook once we put it in the oven. Drain and set aside. - Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens. - Add the Cheeses and Seasonings
Off the heat add the shredded cheddar and swiss cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh nutmeg. Mix well. - Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. - Prepare the Topping
Place the mixture in a large, greased baking dish, or smaller individual servings if you want. Top with panko, extra shredded cheese, butter and black pepper. - Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy
Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and starch that can affect the final texture of the dish.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until golden brown; overbaking can dry out the sauce.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake when ready.
Common FAQs About Baked Mac and Cheese
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. Gruyere, Parmesan, Gouda, and Monterey Jack are great alternatives or additions to the cheddar and Swiss cheese used in this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour, or until heated through.
How Can I Make Gluten-Free Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. Ensure the panko breadcrumbs used for the topping are also gluten-free!
Can I Add Protein or Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked chicken, bacon, or ham for extra protein. You can also mix in vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas to add some greens to the dish. I love to have this with fried fish and stewed tomatoes. It’s how my Grandmom made it for me and it’s absolutely delicious.
How Do I Prevent the Cheese Sauce from Becoming Grainy?
To ensure a smooth cheese sauce, make sure to cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) thoroughly before adding the milk. Also, avoid overheating the sauce after adding the cheese.
Looking for more nostalgic family recipes?
Check out the list of some of my favorite family recipes below:
Easy Oven Baked Pork Ribs – The Ultimate Rib recipe. Oven baked ribs coated with a simple dry rub. This easy to follow recipe makes succulent, fall-of-the-bone ribs.
Pickled Eggs and Beets – My grandmother’s Pickled eggs and Beets recipe. Super simple and so delicious!
Caramelized Banana Dutch Baby – This caramelized banana dutch baby recipe is the perfect sweet treat for breakfast, or dessert.
Baked Rigatoni – The perfect baked rigatoni with ricotta cheese and a quick meat sauce. it’s an easy weeknight meal that tastes like it took you all weekend.
Blueberry Pie – A classic easy blueberry pie recipe. it’s simple, perfect and the peak of summer, and can even be made with frozen blueberries.
Sausage and Red Sauce Rigatoni – A quick and easy sausage pasta recipe made with two simple ingredients—italian sausage and canned tomatoes. ready in just 30 minutes.
Cacio e Pepe Baked Mac and Cheese – This cacio e pepe baked mac and cheese has lots of black pepper, parmesan, and pecorino Romano with a rich, creamy sauce and crispy panko topping. a perfect mash-up of Roman pasta and classic comfort food!
Did you make this recipe?
This is the ultimate baked macaroni and cheese recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for any occasion. With these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with this comforting classic. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins to make it your own. Enjoy!
Did you this Baked Mac and Cheese? Leave a comment and review below with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni elbow macaroni or whatever shape you like
- 3 C whole milk
- 8 tbsp 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 C all-purpose flour
- 8 oz extra-sharp cheddar grated – reserve ~2oz for topping
- 6 oz swiss grated
- fresh ground black pepper
- salt
- fresh ground nutmeg just a little
- 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil pasta and undercook by about 2-3 mins according to the directions on the package. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t boil it. In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. Still whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth.
- Off the heat, add 6 oz Cheddar and 6oz of swiss, salt, pepper and nutmeg and stir till all of the cheese is melted. Add the cooked pasta and stir well. Place the mixture in a large, greased baking dish, or smaller individual servings if you want.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top along with your reserved 2oz of grated cheddar. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni and breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Video
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
2 thoughts on Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Classic Comfort Food)
I wish I could be your food taster. Looks delish. I’m gonna bake some for dinner. Yum !!
Luv. The title MAN n CHEESE…