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 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.
Are you searching for the perfect baked macaroni and cheese recipe? Look no further! Our creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a potluck dish, or a holiday feast, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. In this post, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and answer some common FAQs to ensure your baked mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese recipe stands out because it’s:
- Ultra creamy: A luscious cheese sauce coats every, single noodle.
- Perfectly cheesy: A blend of cheeses gives it a rich, delicious flavor.
- Topped with a crunchy crust: A golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch.
- Simple to make: Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe doable for all home cooks.
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need and how to prepare this delicious dish.
Ingredients for Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cheese Sauce:
- rigatoni or any pasta shape you like
- butter
- all-purpose flour
- whole milk
- extra sharp cheddar cheese
- swiss or gruyere
- salt
- black pepper
- nutmeg
For the Topping:
- panko breadcrumbs
- butter
- sharp cheddar
Step-by-Step Instructions to make The Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Ensure the pasta is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter. Add in a handful of grated cheddar. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
6. Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the rigatoni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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.
Conclusion
There you have it – 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!
Looking for more nostalgic family recipes?
Check out the list of some of my favorite family recipes below:
Easy Oven Baked Pork Ribs
Pickled Eggs
Caramelized Banana Dutch Baby
Baked Rigatoni
Blueberry Pie
Sausage and Red Sauce Rigatoni
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.
2 thoughts on Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
I wish I could be your food taster. Looks delish. I’m gonna bake some for dinner. Yum !!
Luv. The title MAN n CHEESE…