Comfort Food Baked Mac And Cheese

Name: Comfort Food Baked Mac And Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Highlighted under: Warm Table Delights

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Baked Mac And Cheese because it’s the ultimate cozy dish that brings back childhood memories. With creamy, cheesy goodness enveloping al dente pasta, it's the kind of food that warms my soul. I appreciate how this recipe allows for simple ingredient substitutions, enabling me to whip it up even on busy days. Plus, the crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast to the smooth cheese sauce, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Perfect for any gathering, it never disappoints!

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-02-06T18:01:36.076Z

Every time I prepare this Baked Mac And Cheese, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners filled with laughter and warmth. I’ve experimented with various cheeses, finding that a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The key is to bake it until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. The aroma while it bakes is incredibly inviting, and it sets the stage for a delicious meal.

I also like to play with seasonings to elevate the dish. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce right before serving really brings the flavors to life. It's amazing how a simple tweak can make a classic feel new again. This is a recipe I cherish and proudly share at every gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadently creamy with layers of cheesy goodness
Crunchy topping that adds the perfect contrast
Easily adaptable with your favorite cheeses and toppings

Perfecting Your Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the heart of this baked mac and cheese, and getting it just right is key to achieving a luscious texture. When melting the butter, ensure you don’t let it brown; it should remain a pale gold. After adding the flour, stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux that will help thicken the sauce perfectly. When whisking in the milk, do so gradually to prevent lumps from forming, resulting in a smooth, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

A blend of cheeses elevates your mac and cheese from simple to memorable. Sharp cheddar provides that classic flavor, while mozzarella brings stretch and creaminess. Don’t hesitate to mix things up by using Gruyère for a nuttier taste or a sprinkle of pepper jack for some heat. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie version, you can substitute part-skim cheeses, but be aware that it may slightly alter the creaminess of your sauce.

The Crunchy Topping

The topping is what takes this dish to the next level, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the mac and cheese. Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible, as they will create a more substantial texture. If you only have dried breadcrumbs, consider adding a little more melted butter to ensure they crisp up nicely during baking. For added flavor, mix in some grated cheese into your topping; this can enhance the cheesy depth and give it a lovely golden color.

Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your mac and cheese as it approaches the 20-minute mark. Look for a bubbly cheese sauce and a golden, crispy topping. If you desire a darker crust, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Cook the Macaroni

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Combine and Transfer

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, and remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a rich flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or chopped vegetables like broccoli to the cheese mixture before baking.

Storage and Reheating

This baked mac and cheese is an excellent dish for meal prep; you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk to restore some moisture before reheating.

For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, covered with foil. Once it's thawed and bubbling, you can uncover for the last 10 minutes to achieve that crispy topping.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with your baked mac and cheese! You can mix in cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or roasted peppers to add nutrition and colorful visuals. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding cooked proteins like chicken, bacon, or even lobster for an upscale twist. Just be sure to adjust your cheese blend to complement your added ingredients.

If you're following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the elbow macaroni and flour for gluten-free alternatives. There are many great gluten-free pasta options on the market that hold their shape well. You can thicken your sauce with cornstarch instead of flour — just mix it with a little cold milk before adding it to the saucepan to avoid clumping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I freeze baked macaroni and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar brings great flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Combining different cheeses works well too!