Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, this Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and crispy on top, it brings together tender elbow macaroni swirled in a velvety blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish offers that perfect balance of gooey warmth and crunchy topping that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the secret to this Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe’s incredible flavor and satisfying texture. Each item has its own role, from adding creaminess to delivering a crunchy golden crust.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice that holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for the sauce.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
• 2 cups milk: The base for the béchamel sauce, making everything smooth and luscious.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the creaminess.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth and vibrant color.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Delivers that signature bold cheese flavor.
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for smooth stretchiness.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch, especially perfect for topping.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Creates a satisfyingly crunchy crust that contrasts the creamy interior.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps toast breadcrumbs to golden perfection without burning.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package’s directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures your pasta holds its shape and won’t become mushy once baked. Drain and set it aside—you’re almost at cheesy nirvana.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook it for 1-2 minutes until it forms a light golden paste and starts to bubble slightly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and gives the sauce a silky texture that will cling beautifully to your pasta.

Step 3: Add Milk and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens up to a creamy, smooth sauce. Once thickened, add the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a little extra warmth and color. It’s these simple seasonings that pull all the cheese flavors together into a cohesive, dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Gradually stir in your sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep mixing until the cheese melts completely and your sauce transforms into a rich, creamy dream. This step is where your bake starts to take shape, getting all gooey and irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Now, fold the cooked macaroni gently into your cheese sauce. Make sure every piece is thoroughly coated so the cheesy goodness is evenly distributed. This creates a uniform base for a fantastic bake.

Step 6: Assemble for Baking

Transfer your cheesy macaroni into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese, then dust with the grated Parmesan cheese to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake your masterpiece in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and you see cheese bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets just right—this little patience is totally worth it.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens up the rich flavors and adds a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting. For an extra touch, scatter some crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.

Side Dishes

This Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. The freshness and crunch balance out the creamy, hearty pasta for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your mac and cheese bake in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or top it with a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions before baking to give it a gourmet twist. For a fun weekend, add cooked lobster or grilled chicken to transform this classic into an indulgent main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days. This makes for an easy go-to meal when you want a quick comfort fix without starting from scratch.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For stovetop reheating, use a low simmer and add a splash of milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispy topping from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or cavatappi can also work beautifully since they all hold onto the cheese sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

This Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe is naturally vegetarian, but to keep it that way, just omit any meat toppings like bacon or chicken that you might add.

What can I substitute for smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, a pinch of regular paprika or even a little cayenne pepper can add a nice kick, though it will be less smoky and more spicy.

Can I use low-fat milk or cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat versions to lighten the dish, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and creamy. Adding a little cream cheese can help boost creaminess without extra calories.

How can I make my topping extra crunchy?

Toast the breadcrumbs with a little butter or olive oil in a skillet before adding them to the top. This step enhances that golden, satisfying crunch after baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbly Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe to make any day feel like a special occasion. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing that joyful, cheesy goodness with everyone you love.

Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 0h 15m
• Cook Time: 0h 30m
• Total Time: 0h 45m
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This classic Mac and Cheese Bake combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a savory breadcrumb crust, it’s baked to golden perfection for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Topping

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Cook macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni following package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
3. Make roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a bubbling paste, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Add milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken to a creamy consistency.
5. Season sauce: Incorporate salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the sauce, blending well to enhance the flavor.
6. Melt cheeses: Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until all cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated with the creamy mixture.
8. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese to create a crunchy topping.
10. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the breadcrumb layer to add a sharp, nutty flavor.
11. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
12. Cool before serving: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.

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Notes

• For extra creaminess, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Breadcrumbs can be toasted in a dry pan before mixing with olive oil for a deeper flavor.
• Customize by adding cooked bacon or herbs like thyme or parsley for a flavor twist.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the oven for best results.