Family Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for its ultra-creamy texture and deep cheesy flavor, achieved by layering multiple types of cheese throughout the dish. The pasta is cooked just shy of al dente, ensuring it absorbs the sauce perfectly without becoming mushy. Baking the dish allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and indulgent meal that appeals to both children and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup half-and-half

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon ground mustard

• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 4–5 minutes, until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.

4. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.

5. Slowly add the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

6. Stir in salt, pepper, ground mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

7. Cook the sauce, whisking frequently, until it thickens, about 5–7 minutes.

8. Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

10. Transfer half of the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

11. Sprinkle with ½ cup of the remaining cheddar cheese.

12. Top with the remaining mac and cheese mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.

13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

14. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.

• Bacon Lover’s: Incorporate crumbled cooked bacon into the cheese sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.

• Vegetarian: Mix in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

• Extra Creamy: Substitute some of the milk with heavy cream for a richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze the baked mac and cheese. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like cavatappi, penne, or shells. Just ensure the pasta is cooked to just under al dente before combining with the cheese sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes, for added heat, incorporate diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce. If using pre-shredded cheese, ensure it contains anti-caking agents to prevent clumping.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry?

To maintain creaminess, avoid overbaking. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to the sauce and cover with foil to retain moisture.

Can I make this recipe without using half-and-half?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half with additional whole milk or heavy cream, depending on your desired richness.

How do I make the top crispy?

For a crispy top, sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cauliflower can be mixed into the mac and cheese for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group. Just ensure you have a sufficiently large baking dish and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Family Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with comforting pasta. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it's sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's a recipe that brings both joy and satisfaction to any meal.