Yesss—comfort food royalty 🧀🔥
Here’s a classic, creamy, old-school Baked Mac & Cheese with a golden top and ultra-cheesy center.
Classic Baked Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3½ cups whole milk (warm)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional but 🔥)
Topping (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cook pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water 1–2 minutes under al dente. Drain. - Make cheese sauce
Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer until thick. - Add cheese & seasoning
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder until melted. - Combine
Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce. - Assemble
Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. - Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. - Rest
Let sit 10 minutes before serving—trust me.
Make-It-Next-Level Tips
- Extra creamy? Add ½ cup heavy cream
- Southern style? Mix in 1 beaten egg
- Crunchy top? Broil 2–3 minutes at the end
- Smoky kick? Add bacon or smoked paprika
Want a Southern baked, soul food, or 4-cheese gourmet version next? 😄
