Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: A Homestyle Family Favorite (Print Version)

Discover our Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe! Learn how to make this rich, cheesy dish with personal tips, kitchen stories, and easy steps.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni
02 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 6 cups whole milk
05 - 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
06 - 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp onion powder
11 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
12 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (for topping)

# Instructions:

01 - Grab your biggest pot, fill it with water, and get it boiling! Don't forget to salt your water generously – a cardinal sin I've committed more times than I care to admit, resulting in bland pasta. Cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions, but aim for al dente, meaning still a little firm. It’s going to bake further, and we don’t want mushy pasta, honestly. Drain it well and resist the urge to rinse; we want that starch to help the sauce cling!
02 - In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells a bit nutty. This is your roux, the base of our incredible cheese sauce! This is where the magic starts, or where I sometimes panic if it browns too fast. Don't walk away, seriously! I once got distracted by a text and almost burned it.
03 - Slowly, and I mean slowly, whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This is crucial for a smooth sauce. Keep whisking until it thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon – usually about 5-7 minutes. Add your Dijon, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep it moving! I always hold my breath here, hoping for no lumps. If you see any, whisk like your life depends on it!
04 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now for the best part! Gradually add your grated sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until they're completely melted and the sauce is gloriously smooth and creamy. Taste it! Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? This is your moment to adjust. I always sneak a spoonful here, just for quality control, you know?
05 - Gently add your cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding it in until every single noodle is coated in that luscious, cheesy goodness. Try not to smash the pasta; we want it intact! Pour the whole glorious mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. This is where my kitchen gets a bit messy, with little bits of cheese escaping the bowl, but hey, that's real cooking, right?
06 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top, and if you're feeling extra, a little more grated cheese. Pop it into the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Oh, the smells that start to fill the kitchen! That's when I know my Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is going to be good. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving – the hardest part is waiting, honestly!

# Notes:

01 - Always grate your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
02 - Whisk your roux and sauce constantly to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking – a wooden spoon works wonders for scraping the bottom!
03 - Don't overcook your pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven, and we want it firm, not mushy.
04 - For an extra crispy topping, broil for the last minute or two, but watch it closely!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - large saucepan
03 - whisk
04 - 9x13 inch baking dish

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Protein: 30g

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