Ultimate Comfort Food - Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese with golden Cheddar Crust

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Calories

520

Few dishes deliver the nostalgic warmth and indulgent satisfaction of a truly great mac and cheese. With its luxuriously creamy sauce, rich cheese blend, and golden baked top, this classic comfort food turns any table into a celebration.

Whether you're cooking for kids, a holiday gathering, or just craving a cosy weeknight meal, mac and cheese never disappoints. The magic lies in the balance—elbows cooked perfectly al dente, a silky sauce built from a real roux, and a combo of cheeses that melt into savoury, buttery bliss.

This recipe takes it up a notch with Gruyère for depth, Parmesan for sharpness, and cheddar for classic comfort. The Dijon mustard and garlic powder offer subtle complexity, while the panko topping adds just the right contrast in texture.

You can prep it ahead, bake it fresh, or double it for parties. It’s also endlessly customisable—add bacon, broccoli, hot sauce, or even lobster for your own gourmet twist. No matter how you serve it, mac and cheese remains the ultimate edible hug.

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Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for topping)

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Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (5–7 minutes).
Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix well. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top (optional).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 520

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 32 grams; 41%
Saturated Fat: 19 grams; 95%
Cholesterol: 85 milligrams; 28%
Sodium: 410 milligrams; 18%
Carbs: 38 grams; 14%
Protein: 20 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
Fiber: 2 grams; 7%

10 Tips for Making Mac and Cheese

Use block cheese and shred it fresh—pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
Cook pasta just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Always warm your milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps.
Combine different cheeses for a richer flavour profile.
A touch of Dijon or hot sauce adds depth without overpowering.
Taste the sauce before mixing with pasta to adjust seasoning.
Let the dish rest after baking so the sauce thickens.
For a crispier topping, broil the last 2–3 minutes.
Store leftovers in a glass container to prevent drying out.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.

Serve it with Suggestions

Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted or steamed broccoli
Garlic bread or buttermilk biscuits
Fried chicken or barbecue ribs (for indulgent pairings)
A drizzle of hot sauce or spoonful of pesto for topping

FAQs

Q: Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if cold.

Q: What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
A: Sharp cheddar is the classic base, but Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan add richness and meltability.

Q: Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
A: Yes. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in oven.

Q: How do I keep it from drying out?
A: Don’t overbake, and always use plenty of sauce. A splash of milk when reheating helps restore creaminess.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour for the roux.

Chef's Recommendation

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Ultimate Comfort Food - Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese with golden Cheddar Crust