Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese is pure comfort in a casserole dish: tender elbow pasta cradled in a creamy, from-scratch cheese sauce, baked until bubbling and golden on top. This timeless recipe has just the right balance of richness and nostalgia, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night at home. Whether you grew up loving this dish or you’re discovering its magic for the first time, Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a few everyday ingredients, you can craft a dish that tastes like home. Each component of Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese brings something special: creamy, sharp, and wonderfully comforting. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Elbow macaroni: The classic shape holds creamy cheese sauce in every bite and bakes up beautifully.
• Milk: Whole milk is best for a rich, luscious sauce, but you can use 2% if that’s what you have on hand.
• Butter: Adds flavor and is essential for building the base of your roux, which thickens the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the roux, flour turns the melted butter into a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Salt: Just the right amount boosts all the other flavors so they shine.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Pepper provides a touch of warmth and depth.
• Extra sharp Cheddar cheese: Shred your own for the best melting texture—sharp Cheddar brings that irresistible, bold cheese flavor.
• Ground red pepper (optional): For a little kick, a pinch of this adds gentle heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Cooking spray: Keeps your macaroni and cheese from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

How to Make Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta

First, set the oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While it heats up, cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions—al dente is perfect, since the noodles will absorb more flavor as they bake. Don’t forget to spray your baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and gives you those beautiful, intact scoops everyone wants!

Step 2: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

This is the heart of Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese! Warm your milk in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes so it merges seamlessly into the roux. Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, then whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for about a minute—patience here creates a velvety sauce. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and keep whisking for around five minutes, until your mixture thickens up into a smooth, pourable sauce.

Step 3: Add Cheese, Seasonings, and Pasta

Remove your sauce from the heat and whisk in the salt, black pepper, one cup of the shredded Cheddar, and the ground red pepper (if you’re feeling spicy). When the cheese folds into that creamy sauce, it smells like heaven! Then stir in your cooked macaroni so every piece is coated. Transfer everything into your greased baking dish and sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese on top for the ultimate golden layer.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide the dish onto the center rack and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. The top will become golden and the cheese will bubble—this is your sign it’s ready! You can let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce sets up just enough for perfect, cheesy scoops.

How to Serve Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese. For a fun (and crunchy) twist, you can scatter some buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top the last few minutes of baking, though the cheesy crust is delicious on its own.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans for a complete meal. If you want to round it out Southern-style, serve with fried chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even tangy pickles to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful touch, bake Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese in individual ramekins, making elegant portions for a dinner party. Or serve it family-style in a big, inviting casserole dish—everyone loves a generous scoop! For potlucks, bring it in a portable, insulated carrier to keep it piping hot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. The flavors meld together even more, making for a fantastic second helping the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze baked mac and cheese! Cool the dish completely, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—just note the sauce may be a tad less creamy but still delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce, then warm in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) until hot. If reheating a whole casserole, bake at 350°F until heated through. Stir halfway for the creamiest texture, especially if the pasta seems a bit dry.

FAQs

Should you give your baked macaroni and cheese a topping?

Toppings are totally optional! Some love a buttery crumb or cracker topping, but letting the cheese bubble into a crispy crust is just as wonderful. If you add a topping, sprinkle it on near the end so the cheese crust forms first.

Should you add eggs to macaroni and cheese?

This recipe skips the eggs, relying instead on a proper roux for creaminess and a cohesive texture. Eggs can make the dish even richer and more set, but for the classic, saucy result most people crave, keep it simple and egg-free.

Can you make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the dish a day or two in advance, cover, and store in the fridge before baking. For freshest, creamiest results, bake just before serving, but leftovers reheat surprisingly well with a little extra milk or butter.

Can I use other cheeses besides Cheddar?

Sharp Cheddar is the classic, but feel free to play with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for extra flavor. Make sure to use at least half sharp Cheddar for that signature taste and beautiful color.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If your cheese sauce ends up too thick, whisk in a splash of warm milk until it’s silky again. If it’s too thin, let it cook just a bit longer on the stove to reduce, or add another small handful of shredded cheese.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says comfort quite like Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese. When you make this dish, you’re not just feeding your loved ones—you’re serving pure joy. Give it a try, and let this cheesy classic find its own spot in your favorite recipes collection!

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