The Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  Craving the comfort of gooey, cheesy pasta with a golden, crunchy topping?  Say hello to the Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe you'll ever try!  

This classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a deliciously cheesy pick-me-up.  Whether you're new to making mac and cheese from scratch or looking to elevate your existing recipe, this guide has you covered.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Rich and Creamy Texture:  A blend of cheeses ensures the perfect balance of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.  
• Golden Crunchy Topping:  A layer of buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers adds a satisfying crunch.  
• Crowd Pleasing Flavor:  The combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Colby jack creates irresistible taste.  
• Customizable:  Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins like bacon, caramalized onions, or even lobster for a special twist.  

INGREDEINTS:

FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE:

• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar, shredded
• 2 cups Colby Jack, shredded
• 1 (8 oz) Block of Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Better
• 4 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 3 cups Heavy Cream or Half and Half
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

FOR THE PASTA:

• 16 oz Elbow Macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)

TOPPING:

• 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Shredded
• 1 cup Buttery Crackers, crushed 
• 2 Tbsp Melted Butter
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat Your Oven:  Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).  Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.  
2. Cook the Pasta:  In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.  Drain and set aside.  
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:  In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture become a light golden roux.  Gradually pour in the cream or half and half, whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.  Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and season with salt and black pepper.  Lower the heat and add the cheddar, cream cheese, and Colby jack.  Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.  
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:  Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix until well combined.  Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with a layer of sprinkled cheese.  
5. Prepare the Topping:  In a small bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with melted butter.  Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.  For an added touch, sprinkle parsley over the top.  
6. Bake:  Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.  
7. Serve:  Let the baked mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.  Enjoy the creamy crunchy delight.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PERFECT MAC AND CHEESE:

• Cheese Selection Matters:  Using a mix of cheese ensures a perfect blend of flavor and meltability.  Sharp Cheddar is essential, but you can swap the others out for Gruyère and Parmesan or depth and umami flavor.  
• Prevent a Grainy Sauce:  Always use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded.  Packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can lead to a grainy sauce.
• Pasta Tip:  Slightly undercook your pasta before baking.  It will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing some of the cheese sauce for an even flavorful result.  

FAQs:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely!  Assemble the mac and cheese without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.  When ready to bake, add the topping and bake 10-15 minutes longer than the original baking time.  When ready to bake, add the topping and bake for 10-15 minutes longer than the original baking time. 

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and crackers.

What are some mix-in ideas?

Try adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables for added flavor and texture.  

There's nothing quite like a hearty serving of homemade baked mac and cheese to satisfy your cravings and bring joy to your table.  With its velvety cheese sauce and golden crust, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.  Whether served as a main dish or a side, it's bound to leave everyone asking for seconds.  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!  
~The Kitchen Wife~