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: Serves 4
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Heartwarming Meals

There’s something about a cozy bowl of Baked Mac and Cheese that brings back warm memories of family dinners. I often find myself craving this dish, especially during cold evenings. The creamy cheese sauce enveloping each macaroni shell is like a warm hug, and I love how easy it is to throw together. This recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of creamy goodness.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:01:35.993Z

Every time I make Baked Mac and Cheese, I feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. This dish was a staple in my home, and I treasure the memories of my family gathered around the dinner table. I remember experimenting with different cheeses until I found the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella to create a rich flavor profile.

What's truly key to success in this recipe is the breadcrumb topping. It adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. By toasting the breadcrumbs beforehand, you ensure they become perfectly golden and extra crispy in the oven. It transforms this dish into a true comfort food masterpiece!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s unbeatable in flavor
Crunchy breadcrumb topping for the perfect texture contrast
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners

Mastering the Cheese Sauce

Creating a smooth cheese sauce is key to elevating your Baked Mac and Cheese. When you melt the butter and whisk in the flour, aim for a light golden color—this indicates the roux is cooked enough to eliminate the raw flour taste. As you gradually add the milk, keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming. If your sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash more of milk until you reach a glossy, pourable consistency.

For the best flavor, choose a blend of cheeses. Sharp cheddar provides a robust taste, while mozzarella enhances creaminess and stretch. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that highly seasoned or crumbly cheeses can alter the sauce's final texture, so adjust the milk accordingly to maintain that velvety mouthfeel.

Perfecting the Topping

The breadcrumb topping is where you can add a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy pasta beneath. Mixing the breadcrumbs with olive oil not only helps them brown evenly but also prevents them from becoming soggy. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding grated Parmesan directly into the breadcrumb mixture or an herb like thyme or parsley to enhance the overall taste.

You can use Panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture. Another option is to toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before sprinkling them on top; this encourages browning during baking. If you prefer a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflake crumbs, making sure to adjust any other ingredients that may contain gluten.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the whole dish ahead of time, then store it covered in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just remember to let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven if it’s been refrigerated to ensure even cooking throughout.

If you're looking to freeze portions, do so after baking, then cool completely before wrapping them tightly. Baked Mac and Cheese can be frozen for up to three months. Reheating is simple; let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil initially to prevent the top from burning.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start making your comfort food classic.

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

Once you have everything ready, let's get to cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a deliciously baked mac and cheese.

Cook the Pasta

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

Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a light golden color. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture has thickened, remove from heat and add both cheeses, stirring until melted.

Combine and Prepare for Baking

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Add Breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese mixture in a baking dish.

Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, try adding cooked bacon or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Mac and Cheese is wonderfully versatile. While it's delicious on its own, you can elevate it by adding cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli for added flavor and nutrition. For a spicier kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a touch of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce.

Pairing your mac and cheese with a light salad can help balance the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta beautifully, adding freshness to every bite. You could also serve it alongside grilled chicken or smoked sausage for a heartier meal.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your cheese sauce isn't as smooth as you'd like, it could be a sign of overcooking the roux or adding the milk too quickly. Make sure to whisk continuously while adding milk to avoid clumps. If you find it too thick after cooking, try whisking in a bit more warm milk gradually until it reaches the desired consistency.

In case the dish comes out dry after baking, it may be that it was in the oven too long or not enough cheese was used. Keep an eye on it during baking, and if not enough cheese is present, consider mixing in a little extra before serving to enhance creaminess. If you anticipate leftovers, ensure it's covered well before storing to lock in moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses such as gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a twist.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese, assemble it in the baking dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

→ Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Yes, it can be frozen! Just make sure it's completely cooled, then cover it tightly before freezing. Reheat in the oven from frozen.