Homestyle Baked Mac and Cheese: Creamy Comfort (Print Version)

Homestyle Baked Mac and Cheese for an easy, cheesy dinner. Learn my simple method for a creamy, golden casserole. Perfect for family meals!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Dairy Base

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni
02 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 4 cups whole milk

→ Cheeses

05 - 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
06 - 1 cup Gruyère or smoked Gouda cheese, freshly grated

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

→ Seasoning

09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a big pot of water boiling for your macaroni. Don't forget to salt the water generously – it seasons the pasta from the inside out, which is a game-changer for your Baked Mac and Cheese. Cook the macaroni al dente, maybe a minute or two less than the package says, because it's going to finish cooking in the oven. I always forget to salt the water, honestly, and then the pasta tastes a little flat. Drain it well, but don't rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling.
02 - While your pasta is doing its thing, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s all bubbly and melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to cook this for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a pale, thick paste and smells a little nutty, like toast. This is your roux, the base of your incredible Baked Mac and Cheese sauce. This step is crucial for avoiding a floury taste, I learned that after a few gritty sauces. Keep it moving!
03 - Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. It's like a little dance – pour a bit, whisk until smooth, pour a bit more. Keep the heat at medium, and continue whisking until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. You'll start to see little bubbles, and it'll get nice and creamy. This is where the magic starts happening for your creamy Baked Mac and Cheese sauce, honestly, the smell of warm milk and butter is just heavenly.
04 - Now for the best part! Remove the pan from the heat and stir in your grated sharp cheddar, Gruyère (or Gouda), Dijon mustard, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted into a smooth, glossy, dreamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, the cheese is salty, so taste before you add too much! I usually add a little less salt than I think I need, then adjust. This creamy Baked Mac and Cheese sauce needs to be perfect.
05 - Pour your cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently until every single elbow is coated in that glorious, golden goodness. Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for an even crispier crust. I sometimes get a little messy here, honestly, cheese sauce everywhere, but it's worth it for this Baked Mac and Cheese!
06 - Bake your Baked Mac and Cheese in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's bubbly around the edges and the top is beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. If it's not browning enough, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two – but watch it like a hawk, it can burn fast! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This waiting part is always the hardest, but it lets the sauce set up perfectly. Ah, the smell, it's just pure comfort!

# Notes:

01 - Always grate your own cheese for the best melt and texture in your Baked Mac and Cheese.
02 - Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, to avoid sauce separation.
03 - A tiny bit of Worcestershire sauce can substitute Dijon in a pinch for an umami boost.
04 - Serve with a bright green salad to balance the richness of this comforting dish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - large saucepan or Dutch oven
03 - whisk
04 - 9x13 inch baking dish
05 - grater

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650 calories
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 25g

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