Seriously Cheesy Baked Mac Cheese

Seriously Cheesy macaroni and cheese baked macaroni Ultimate Comfort

By Emma PrescottJune 26, 2025

Looking for creamy macaroni and cheese baked macaroni This Southern baked mac cheese recipe with Gruyère is pure comfort Easy to make crowdpleasing cheesy goodness ... Heritage Kitchen

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper comfort food? This macaroni and cheese baked macaroni recipe will knock your socks off. Honestly, it's cheesy heaven with a crunchy topping.

Brief Overview

This dish is inspired by classic American recipes and has become a soulfood staple. Although requires some attention, even novice cooks can manage the cheesy béchamel sauce.

This best mac n cheese recipe makes 6-8 servings and takes under an hour.

Main Benefits

This macaroni and cheese baked macaroni recipe is pure joy on a plate. It's perfect for a casual gathering or a potluck.

What makes this dish special? The layers of flavour and texture are simply unbeatable! Plus, it makes everyone happy.

Ingredients for Cheesy Happiness

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need. This recipe uses a blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack. The three cheese mac and cheese bake creates such an amazing flavour.

The Story Behind the Recipe

Years ago, I tried my first soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni . I thought "Oh my gosh!", the perfect comfort food does exist.

It's been on my weekly meal rotation ever since! This updated best ever mac and cheese baked macaroni recipe will make your next dinner extra special.

Get Ready to Bake

Get ready to impress your friends and family. Let’s take this classic baked macaroni and cheese to the next level. It's a fantastic centrepiece for any meal!

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Get Cheesy!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this seriously cheesy macaroni and cheese baked macaroni adventure. Making a Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is all about quality ingredients and a little bit of love, honestly.

Main Ingredients for Soulfood Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni

Here's what you'll need for the Best Ever Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni

Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g) . Don't overcook it! We want it al dente so it holds its shape in the bake.
Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) . This is your base for the sauce, so splurging on a decent butter is worth it, you know?
All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . This thickens the sauce.
Whole Milk: 4 cups (950ml) . Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest results. Semi-skimmed will do in a pinch, but don't say I didn't warn you!
Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon . This adds a warm, subtle flavour.
Salt: 1 teaspoon .
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick, if you're feeling brave.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups (approx. 400g) , shredded. The sharper, the better, I reckon. A good quality cheddar makes all the difference.
Gruyère Cheese: 2 cups (approx. 200g) , shredded. Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavour.
Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup (approx. 100g) , shredded (or mozzarella). This makes it extra gooey.
Melted Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) . For the topping.
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (100g) . Panko gives the topping a lovely crunch.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

The secret to an amazing Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is in the seasoning. Nutmeg is key; don't skip it! Cayenne pepper adds a nice bit of heat, but it's totally optional.

Feel free to experiment with other spices like garlic powder or onion powder.

Equipment Needed for Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

For this recipe, you'll need:

A large pot for cooking the pasta.
A colander for draining the pasta.
A large saucepan for the cheese sauce.
A whisk for the sauce. No lumps, please!
A 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
Measuring cups and spoons.

Most kitchens already have these. If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch, but honestly, a whisk makes life easier.

Now you're ready to make the Best Mac N Cheese Recipe

Let's get cooking!

Seriously Cheesy Baked Mac Cheese presentation

Let's Make Some Seriously Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese!

Honestly, who doesn't love macaroni and cheese baked macaroni ? It’s the ultimate comfort food. Forget your diet for a day, you deserve this! This is not just any mac and cheese.

This is seriously cheesy! It’s the best mac n cheese recipe I know.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's get organized. It's called "mise en place", fancy talk for having everything ready before you start.

Chop your cheese. Measure your spices. Get the pasta water boiling. Trust me , it saves time. Safety? Just watch out for that boiling water.

Step-by-Step: From Béchamel to Baked Goodness

Ready to dive in? Here's how to make the best ever mac and cheese baked macaroni :

Cook 1 pound macaroni until al dente. Drain it well. You don’t want mushy pasta!
Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes , until it smells nutty. This is a roux!
Gradually whisk in 4 cups milk until smooth. Simmer, stirring, until it thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Take it off the heat. Stir in 4 cups cheddar, 2 cups Gruyère, and 1 cup Monterey Jack. Keep stirring until it's melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce. Stir it. Make sure it's all coated in cheesy goodness.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter and mix with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
Pour the mac into a baking dish. Sprinkle with the panko mix.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Look for golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mac

Want creamy baked mac and cheese ? Don’t overcook the pasta. Seriously. It makes a huge difference. Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe often includes bread crumbs, and toasting them first gives you extra crunch.

It adds a nice touch. Don't skip the nutmeg, it adds warmth, a little goes a long way.

Soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni is a classic for a reason. You can even make it ahead! Assemble the mac and cheese, but don't bake it.

Cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook.

I think this homemade baked macaroni cheese recipe is one you'll make again and again.

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Mac and Cheese Baked Macaroni

Honestly, this Seriously Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese is more than just a recipe. It is an experience. We're talking about taking the humble macaroni and cheese baked macaroni , and turning it into something truly special.

Serving Like a Pro

Presentation matters. Try individual ramekins for a posh look. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley. For sides? Think crisp green salad.

It cuts through the richness perfectly. A simple coleslaw works too. Drinks-wise, a cold beer or chilled white wine is chef's kiss .

Storing Your Treasure

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Let it cool completely. Then, bung it in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? It's possible. Though the texture might change slightly. Defrost fully before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until bubbly.

Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Remixing the Classics

Fancy a twist? Go spicy. Use pepper jack cheese, or add a dash of hot sauce. Bacon bits are always a winner.

For a veggie version, stir in roasted broccoli or cauliflower. Gluten-free? No worries. Just use gluten-free pasta and flour. This recipe can easily become a Soulfood Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni .

Or even a Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe .

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. A serving is roughly 550-650 calories. There is 30-35g of protein, 30-40g of fat, and 40-50g of carbs.

A word of warning, there is sodium (800-900mg). Remember that cheese is great for calcium! But eat in moderation, yeah?

Right then, there you have it. Everything you need to make this Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese . Don’t be scared to experiment.

Have fun. And enjoy every cheesy bite! I believe in you!

Delicious macaroni and cheese baked macaroni The Secrets Out

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My macaroni and cheese baked macaroni is dry. What did I do wrong?

A dry mac and cheese bake usually means there wasn't enough sauce to begin with, or it was overbaked. Make sure your béchamel is nice and thick before adding the cheese, and don't skimp on the cheese itself! Also, check your oven temperature and cooking time; you might need to reduce them slightly next time. Think of it like a Sunday roast, you want it moist, not like shoe leather!

Can I make this macaroni and cheese baked macaroni ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with cling film (press it onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it's still cold in the middle.

What kind of cheese works best in this baked macaroni and cheese recipe?

A blend of cheeses is key to flavour and texture! Sharp cheddar provides that classic mac and cheese flavour, Gruyère adds a nutty, sophisticated note, and Monterey Jack (or mozzarella) contributes to a lovely, melty texture. Don't be afraid to experiment with other cheeses too – Gouda, fontina, or even a bit of Parmesan can be delicious. Just avoid very oily cheeses like halloumi. They don't melt so well.

My béchamel sauce is lumpy! How can I fix it?

Lumpy béchamel is a common kitchen woe, but easily fixed. The key is to whisk vigorously while gradually adding the milk to the roux. If lumps do form, remove the pan from the heat and whisk even more vigorously! If that doesn't do the trick, try passing the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any stubborn lumps. A good cook is never defeated!

How do I store leftover macaroni and cheese baked macaroni? And how long will it last?

Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating can help prevent it from drying out. No one likes a sad, reheated Mac!

Can I make this baked mac and cheese vegetarian? Any tips for adding extra flavor to the veggie version?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it is, focusing on the deliciousness of cheese and pasta. To boost the flavour in a veggie version, consider roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or butternut squash and stirring them into the macaroni mixture before baking. You could also add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavour, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Think of it as jazzing up your veggies with a cheesy hug!