Okay, Let’s Talk Comfort Food!

I know how it is, juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws our way. Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But you also want to feed your family something warm and satisfying. That’s where this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe comes in. It’s the ultimate sanity-saver and a guaranteed dinnertime win in my house.

I remember the first time I made this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. My youngest was going through a super picky phase, and I was desperate for something everyone would eat. I tweaked a recipe I found, added my own touches (more cheese, of course!), and crossed my fingers. The silence as everyone ate was golden, and the clean plates? A true mom victory!

This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe isn’t about fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s about simple comfort, made with love (and a few shortcuts!) for the people you care about most. It brings my family together every time.Are you seeking more quick and easy meal solutions for your busy family? Check out this Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe for a comforting alternative.

Ready to bring some comfort to your kitchen? Let’s get started! I’m so excited to share this with you, fellow comfort seekers.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need for this creamy dream of a Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe:

1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic choice!
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Butter makes everything better.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
3 cups milk: I usually use whole milk for extra richness, but 2% works too.
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that classic mac and cheese flavor.
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese: Adds a nutty, sophisticated flavor, but you can substitute with more cheddar if needed.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch of spice.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For that crispy topping.
2 tablespoons melted butter: To toss with the breadcrumbs.

Trust me, this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

No worries if you don’t have Gruyere – I use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra comfort in my Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.

My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. It’s a little secret that makes all the difference! A little mustard powder can also give it a kick!

Here’s a Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I buy pre-shredded cheese to save time. Every minute counts!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Time to get cooking! This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is easier than you think.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is where the magic will happen!
Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente! Nobody likes mushy mac. While the pasta is cooking, this is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch.
While the pasta is cooking, make the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe – learn from my experience! Whisk in the flour until smooth. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of your creamy sauce.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Your Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe should smell amazing by now! Don’t worry if your Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe looks a little lumpy at first. Just keep stirring, and it will come together.
Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Make sure every noodle is coated in that cheesy goodness! In my busy kitchen, this comforting Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe usually takes about 30 minutes to prep.
Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese. This adds a nice crunch to your Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
Let stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set up a bit.

While your Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This simple recipe can bring so much joy. It’s a dinnertime win.

Here’s a little secret: I sometimes add a sprinkle of paprika to the breadcrumb topping for extra color and flavor. It’s a total game-changer!

How We Love to Eat This!

This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a staple in our house for so many reasons. It’s comforting, satisfying, and the kids always ask for seconds!

The kids devour this comforting Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe when I serve it with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad. It’s all about balance!

This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for potlucks and family gatherings. I even made it for Thanksgiving one year!

For a fun presentation, I sometimes bake this kid-friendly Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins. It makes everyone feel fancy! It’s also so fun and the kids love having their own!

Leftovers (if there are any!) are great for lunch the next day. I sometimes add a little milk to the leftovers before reheating to keep it creamy. It is also great to add some cut up hot dogs or kielbasa to it for lunch! My oldest loves it like this.

I’ve also tried adding different cheeses to this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. Pepper jack adds a little kick, and Gouda adds a smoky flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try some other comfort food, check out this recipe.

My friend raved about this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe when I brought it to her house for a potluck. She said it was the best mac and cheese she had ever tasted!

For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Mac and Cheese Soup, it is another family favorite!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions, so let’s tackle them! I’ve been there, fellow mom.

Is this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese really filling enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce is super satisfying. I often add a side of veggies to make it a complete meal. It is also a great way to fill them up before sports or an activity.

What if my picky eater won’t try this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Start small! Offer a tiny portion and don’t pressure them to eat it. You can also try adding a familiar ingredient, like cooked ham or peas. My youngest was the pickiest and it is now his favorite!

Can I meal prep this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze this Home Style Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?

While you *can* freeze it, the texture might change slightly. The cheese sauce can sometimes become a little grainy. If you do freeze it, thaw it completely before baking.

What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?

I prefer using panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, but regular breadcrumbs work too. You can even use crushed crackers! I crush Ritz crackers for my kids for an extra buttery topping.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Of course! Shells, rotini, or penne are all great alternatives to elbow macaroni. Any smaller pasta is great! Looking for another take on a creamy baked mac? Check out this recipe for inspiration!

Is there a way to make this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe healthier?

You can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of cheese. But remember, it’s comfort food! A little indulgence is okay. If you’re interested in another version, try this for another take!

Final Thoughts:

This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of comfort and love in my home. I hope it brings the same joy to your family’s table. It can be something you all enjoy and make memories together. It is also a great way for your children to learn their way around the kitchen!

Here are a few of my Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Comfort Hacks:

Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Sprinkle paprika on the breadcrumb topping for a pop of color.

Here are a few family-tested Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe variations:

Spicy Mac: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Veggie Mac: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or carrots.
Meat Lovers Mac: Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage.

My oldest loves the spicy mac, while my youngest prefers the classic version. My husband? He’ll eat any of them!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe your own. The most important thing is to create something your family will love. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese – Southern Food and Fun is another great resource.

I hope you enjoy this satisfying Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe as much as we do. Remember, you’ve got this! You are doing a great job. For more easy comfort food ideas, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe.

Go make some mac and cheese! You deserve a win!

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

This classic baked mac and cheese recipe is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish. It features a creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crispy topping.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Add cheddar and Gruyere cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Add macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try using different types of cheese, such as Fontina or Gouda. You can also add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.