Baked Macaroni and Cheese
In short: Elbow macaroni in a smooth cheddar sauce, topped with buttery crumbs and baked until bubbling, for a creamy middle and a crisp golden top. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 610 kcal
Baked macaroni and cheese is a staple of American Sunday dinners, potlucks and holiday tables, especially in the South. This version builds the sauce on a butter and flour base, so it stays creamy through baking instead of turning grainy. Sharp cheddar gives the flavor, a little Monterey Jack keeps it smooth, and a layer of buttered crumbs adds crunch on top.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and butter a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking dish. Boil the macaroni in well-salted water for 2 minutes less than the package says, since it finishes cooking in the oven. Drain.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute without letting it brown.
- Pour in the warm milk a little at a time, whisking constantly. Add the mustard powder, paprika, nutmeg, salt and pepper, then simmer 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack in handfuls until smooth. Fold in the macaroni and pour everything into the dish.
- Toss the panko with the melted butter and the extra cheddar and scatter it over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges bubble and the crumbs are golden. Rest for 10 minutes so the sauce thickens before serving.
Tips
- Grate the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch that can make the sauce gritty.
- Smoked gouda or Gruyère can replace half of the cheddar, and a spoonful of hot sauce stirred into the sauce adds warmth without making it spicy.
Questions and answers
Can I make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it without the topping, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the crumbs and bake 10 minutes longer than the recipe says.
Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy?
The sauce was probably too hot when the cheese went in, or the cheese was pre-shredded. Take the pan off the heat and add freshly grated cheese a handful at a time.
Can you freeze macaroni and cheese?
Yes, for up to 2 months, tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered at 175°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, adding a splash of milk if it looks dry.
How long does it take to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
About 610 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 56 g of carbohydrates and 32 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 610 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
