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Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection—this mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

  • - 9x13" baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cheese grater

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 lb elbow pasta
  • - ½ cup unsalted butter
  • - ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • - 1½ cups whole milk
  • - 2½ cups half and half
  • - 4 cups shredded cheddar divided
  • - 2 cups shredded Gruyère divided
  • - ½ Tbsp salt
  • - ½ tsp black pepper
  • - ¼ tsp smoked paprika

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9×13" baking dish.
  • Boil pasta for 1 minute less than package suggests. Drain and drizzle with oil.
  • Mix shredded cheeses. Divide into three piles: 3 cups (sauce), 1½ cups (middle), 1½ cups (top).
  • In saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1 min.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and half and half. Cook until thickened.
  • Off heat, stir in seasonings and 3 cups cheese until melted.
  • Mix sauce with pasta. Layer half in baking dish, then 1½ cups cheese, then remaining pasta. Top with last 1½ cups cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 15–20 min. Broil 2–3 min for a crisp top.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

- Shred your own cheese for best melting
- Try variations: bacon, garlic powder, breadcrumbs
- Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for 1–2 days
Keyword baked mac and cheese