There are few dishes as comforting and universally loved as baked macaroni and cheese. A dish that brings together the smooth, velvety richness of cheese with the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked pasta, mac and cheese has been a staple of family dinners, potlucks, and holiday feasts for generations. Whether you’re craving a warm, cozy meal on a cold winter evening or preparing a dish to impress guests at a gathering, this classic baked mac and cheese recipe is sure to deliver both flavor and nostalgia.

What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of sharp Cheddar cheese and a creamy sauce that coats each elbow macaroni, creating a flavor profile that’s both rich and comforting. The touch of Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth, while Worcestershire sauce and a hint of nutmeg enhance the overall complexity. The final layer of panko bread crumbs, mixed with melted butter, gives the dish a crispy golden top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. This baked mac and cheese is a timeless classic that never goes out of style, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when your mac and cheese is ready to bake, resulting in a crispy, golden top.
2. Cook the Elbow Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce. Be careful not to let it brown.
4. Add Spices and Seasonings: To the roux, add the dried thyme, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and ground nutmeg. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot butter-flour mixture, which will infuse the sauce with their flavors.
5. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
6. Melt the Cheese: Slowly add 2 ½ cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
8. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of panko bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
10. Bake the Mac and Cheese: Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You can also place it under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve an extra crispy crust.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30 minutes

Total Time:

• 45 minutes

Servings:

• 6 servings

KCAL per Serving:

• Approximately 450-500 calories (depending on exact ingredients used)

Why This Recipe Is Timeless:

Macaroni and cheese has been a beloved dish for centuries, and this classic baked version brings it back to its roots. The recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crispy textures, with the cheese sauce offering a luxurious coating to the tender pasta. By using sharp Cheddar cheese, this dish provides a bold and rich flavor that is complemented by the delicate spices like cayenne pepper and nutmeg. The panko breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a delightful combination of creamy and crispy.

Baked mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. You can swap out Cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. It can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep or preparing a large dish for a crowd.

This mac and cheese recipe has remained a family favorite for generations due to its ability to satisfy both children and adults alike, and its comforting qualities make it the perfect dish to share with loved ones during any season.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 20g

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Gruyère, or a mix of cheeses, depending on your preference. However, sharp Cheddar provides a rich flavor that is essential for the classic taste.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, just preheat the oven and bake as instructed.

3. Can I freeze mac and cheese? Yes, baked mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven, covered, at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta? While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells if you prefer.

Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the oven, it’s essential to cook it al dente so that it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
2. Use Full-Fat Milk: For a rich and creamy sauce, use whole milk or even a combination of whole milk and heavy cream for extra indulgence.
3. Toast the Panko: For an extra crispy topping, you can lightly toast the panko bread crumbs in a skillet with a bit of butter before sprinkling them on top.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little milk to help restore the creaminess.
• For long-term storage, freeze leftover mac and cheese for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, bake at a lower temperature (around 300°F) and cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Conclusion:

This baked mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Its creamy texture and rich flavors, combined with a crispy breadcrumb topping, make it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the centerpiece of a meal, this timeless recipe will never disappoint. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and indulgent flavor are the reasons it has been cherished for generations. So the next time you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and satisfying, turn to this classic baked mac and cheese—you won’t regret it!