Ingredients for the Pasta
- 400 g (about 14 oz) elbow macaroni or short pasta
- Water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Gouda
Additional Ingredients for Topping
- 1 cup cheddar, for sprinkling on top
- ½ cup mozzarella, for melting effect
Preparing the Pasta
The base of any baked mac and cheese starts with pasta cooked to the right texture. Begin by boiling a large pot of water seasoned with a teaspoon of salt. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta. Cook it just until al dente — meaning slightly firm to the bite. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven later. Over-cooked pasta can become mushy and lose its structure.
Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes starch, which helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Set the pasta aside while preparing the cheese sauce. If you want to prevent sticking, toss it with a tablespoon of butter.
How to Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
The heart of this recipe is the smooth, flavorful cheese sauce. Begin by placing a medium saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the flour. Whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which thickens the sauce. It should smell slightly nutty but not burnt.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. At this stage, turn the heat to low and begin adding the cheeses a handful at a time. Cheddar gives the sauce its classic flavor, mozzarella adds stretchiness, and Monterey Jack or Gouda contributes richness.
Stir gently until everything melts into a smooth, creamy consistency. The sauce should be silky, thick, and pourable. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk.
Combining the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Now comes the best part — mixing the tender pasta with the luscious cheese sauce. In a large bowl or directly in your baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the warm sauce. Make sure all noodles are coated thoroughly. This is where the dish begins to take shape as the sauce sinks into every gap, ensuring that every spoonful is cheesy and satisfying.
Taste the mixture before baking. Adjust the salt or pepper if needed. You can also stir in extra cheese at this stage if you want it even richer.
Preparing the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or aluminum tray lightly with butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor around the edges.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella over the surface. The mixture of cheeses helps create the golden, bubbly crust you see in the image.
Baking the Mac and Cheese
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. The goal is to melt the cheese topping, brown the edges slightly, and let the inside set. You’ll know it’s ready when the top becomes golden, slightly crisp, and bubbling around the sides.
If you prefer a deeper caramelized crust, switch the oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the interior firm up slightly and makes serving easier.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This baked mac and cheese delivers restaurant-quality results because it focuses on three essential elements: flavor, texture, and balance. The combination of milk and cream creates a rich base for the cheese sauce. Using more than one type of cheese adds layers of flavor and ensures ideal melting. The topping provides contrast, giving a bit of crispness to the soft interior. The result is a satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
Variations and Add-In Ideas
If you want to personalize your dish, here are some popular additions:
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Caramelized onions
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Jalapeños for a spicy version
- A breadcrumb topping for extra crunch
These additions can elevate the dish from classic comfort food to a special gourmet meal.
Final Thoughts
This baked mac and cheese recipe is everything you expect from a comforting, cheesy pasta dish: creamy, flavorful, golden on top, and incredibly satisfying. The balance between the smooth interior and the beautifully browned crust creates a delightful texture combination. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it brings warmth to any table and consistently impresses guests.