Best 8 Best Baked Mac And Cheese Recipes

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If you're a lover of cheesy, gooey pasta dishes, then baked mac and cheese is likely a go-to comfort food. This classic dish can be made in a variety of ways, with different types of cheese, toppings, and seasonings. Whether you prefer a simple, traditional recipe or something more creative and flavorful, there's a baked mac and cheese recipe out there that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese image

The BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese of your LIFE. Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping, this mac and cheese recipe is most definitely a keeper. I used three different cheese and a homemade cheese sauce to take this macaroni and cheese recipe over the top.

Provided by Trish - Mom On Timeout

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked ((or other tubular pasta))
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
4 tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika ((or regular paprika))

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside.Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
  • Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot.
  • Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
  • Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
  • Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
  • Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.
  • In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 642 kcal, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 41 g, SaturatedFat 24 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Sodium 550 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BEST BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER!



Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese Ever! image

After being dissatisfied with many macaroni and cheese recipes, I experimented and came up with my own. Everyone that has tried it simply raves about it... I don't mean to toot my own horn but beep beep! (Serves 4)

Provided by AinsleyRose

Categories     Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated sharp cheese spread (if you can't find it, Cheese Whiz is an okay substitute but really go for the sharp spread)
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt (depends how salt sensitive you are)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 -2 dash cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Velveeta cheese (in small cubes)
2 -3 slices American cheese (reserve for topping casserole)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs or 1/4 cup cracker crumb

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Cook macaroni just until al dente and drain, set aside.
  • While pasta is boiling, melt the butter in a large saucepan.
  • Whisk in the flour over medium heat until smooth & bubbly (only about a minute).
  • Stir in evaporated milk, cheese spread, pepper, mustard, seasoned salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper Keep cooking and stirring over medium heat until sauce has thickened (about 3 or 4 minutes).
  • Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Velveeta to the white sauce and stir just until cheeses have melted.
  • Add macaroni and stir until pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
  • Pour into a casserole dish sprayed with Pam.
  • Arrange cheese slices on top, sprinkle with cracker crumbs and dot somewhat generously with butter.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes or until top is nice and golden and casserole is heated through.
  • Let stand about 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Unsalted butter, for the dish
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni with ridges
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups milk
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • For the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
  • Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
  • For the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in the flour and salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
  • For the topping: In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the butter until the crumbs are moistened.
  • Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes.

THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



The Best Baked Mac and Cheese image

A blend of three cheeses delivers a punch of flavor in this creamy mac and cheese. Toasted breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture contrast.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
Half a loaf day-old French bread
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 cups milk
8 ounces fontina cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
8 ounces Gruyere, grated (about 2 cups)
1 pound sharp yellow Cheddar, grated (about 4 cups)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until just slightly softened, about 6 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.
  • Meanwhile, remove the crusts from the bread and cut into 1-inch cubes. Pulse in the food processor until the bread breaks into bean-sized pieces.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until toasted, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
  • Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder and cayenne. Cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and slightly golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to boil and thicken, about 7 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the fontina, Gruyere and all but 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar until fully melted. Stir in the pasta, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to make a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Brush a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with the melted butter. Spread the pasta mixture in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar evenly over the pasta, then scatter the toasted breadcrumbs on top. Bake until heated through and just bubbling, about 25 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Baked Mac and Cheese image

Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. -Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4-1/2 cups 2% milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain., In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a microwave, melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689 calories, Fat 37g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 834mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

CLASSIC BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: unsalted butter, all purpose flour, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, whole milk, heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, panko breadcrumbs

Provided by Next Level Chef on Fox

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ stick unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions until al dente and drained, not cooled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and pepper and whisk until smooth and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly, until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 4-5 minutes. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
  • Pour the mac and cheese into a 9-inch square pan.
  • Make the bread crumb topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and paprika with a fork until combined. Add the panko bread crumbs and stir until evenly coated in the butter mixture.
  • Sprinkle the bread crumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake the mac and cheese for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is browned (if the top isn't browning, broil on high for 2-3 minutes).
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 679 calories, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 22 grams, Sugar 6 grams

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Absolutely the Best Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is GOOD--trust me! Tastes like a million bucks--maybe 2 million. I like to use cavatappi pasta (double elbows) because they are long and squiggly so they hold a lot of the sauce.

Provided by Aimchick

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups small elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 pinch ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fat-free half-and-half, heated
4 cups grated 70% cabot light cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup buttered bread crumb

Steps:

  • Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions.
  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Butter a baking dish or coat with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle flour into butter and whisk constantly until you have thick, smooth paste, about 5 minutes.
  • Add mustard, red pepper and Worcestershire. Gradually whisk in milk and continue stirring until sauce thickens and returns to simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add 3 cups of cheese and stir until melted. Add macaroni, stirring until well coated. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over top, followed by crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden on top.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses: Combining different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creates a more complex and flavorful mac and cheese.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is best for mac and cheese, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. This will help to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming watery.
  • Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even heavy cream, depending on your desired consistency.
  • Season the sauce: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all classic seasonings for mac and cheese. You can also add herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for extra flavor.
  • Top with breadcrumbs: A layer of breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese adds a crispy texture and helps to brown the top.
  • Bake until golden brown: Bake the mac and cheese until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. By following these tips, you can make the best baked mac and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give one of these baked mac and cheese recipes a try!

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