The Secret to Perfectly Baked Mac & Cheese Every Time Recipe
This classic Baked Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a perfectly golden, bubbly crust every time. Featuring a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it is baked with a buttery breadcrumb topping that adds a delightful crunch. Ideal for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden to form the roux.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in 3 cups of warm whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream until smooth. Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top as an optional topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Undercook the pasta by 1 minute so it stays firm after baking.
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the cheese sauce for extra richness.
- Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a crispier, flavorful topping.
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food
