Baked Mac and Cheese

This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a creamy cheese sauce and a golden topping.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish (9x13”). Set it aside.
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the dried pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package directs for al dente. Drain and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
While waiting for the water to boil, shred the cheeses, mix them together, and divide into three piles: 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk until combined, resembling wet sand. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking frequently to avoid burning.
Slowly pour in about 2 cups of half and half while whisking constantly until smooth. Then, pour in the remaining half and half and whole milk gradually, whisking constantly until smooth.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking often until it thickens to a semi-thinned-out condensed soup consistency.
Remove from heat, add spices and 1 1/2 cups of cheeses, stirring until melted and combined. Stir in another 1 1/2 cups of cheese until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheeses, then add the remaining pasta mixture.
Sprinkle the top with the last 1 1/2 cups of cheese and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

For extra flavor, consider using smoked paprika in this recipe.

Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe