Velvety Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible baked mac and cheese that promises pure indulgence.

Melted cheese coats every single pasta curve with incredible richness and depth.

Sharp cheddar and creamy monterey jack blend seamlessly into a velvety sauce that hugs each macaroni noodle.

The golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every single bite.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that everyone around the table will devour.

Prepare to be the culinary hero at your next gathering with this ultimate mac and cheese experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 583 kcal

Servings: 9

Must-Have Items for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that cradles cheese sauce perfectly, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor absorption.
• Salt (Pasta Water): Enhances pasta's natural flavor, helps season the entire dish during cooking.

• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, gruyere adds creamy complexity and depth, select high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for smoothest melting.
• Butter: Creates rich, velvety sauce base, adds luxurious mouthfeel and depth to the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Crucial thickening agent that creates smooth, stable cheese sauce without lumps.
• Whole Milk: Provides creamy foundation for sauce, ensures silky texture and rich consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Layered seasonings that enhance and balance cheese sauce's overall flavor profile.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds delightful crunch and golden-brown texture, provides textural contrast to creamy pasta base.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs achieve perfect golden, crispy finish when baked.

Tools That Help Create Baked Mac and Cheese

• Large saucepan: Essential for creating the creamy cheese sauce with even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour and milk smoothly without lumps.
• Grater: Needed to shred fresh cheddar and gruyere cheese for the best melting texture.
• Baking dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the mac and cheese to golden perfection.
• Small pan: Used for toasting breadcrumbs and melting butter for the crispy topping.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for precise ingredient amounts.

Bake It Golden and Gooey, Just How You Want

• Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a pot of boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside, keeping a small amount of pasta water for later use.

• Create Velvety Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth base. Cook briefly until golden. Gradually pour milk while stirring continuously. Allow sauce to thicken and bubble. Reduce heat and blend in shredded cheese until silky. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated in creamy deliciousness.

• Craft Crunchy Topping

Melt remaining butter and mix with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crisp topping that will add texture to the dish.

• Bake to Perfection

Heat oven to 350F. Transfer cheesy pasta to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until surface turns golden and crisp. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crunchiness.

• Serve and Savor

Allow mac and cheese to rest briefly before serving. Enjoy piping hot or save for delectable leftovers.

Add These Extras to Keep It Interesting

• Grate your own cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Save some pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid helps thin and bind the cheese sauce, creating a silky, creamy texture without losing richness.
• Experiment with different breadcrumb varieties like panko, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers for varied crunchy textures and flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Vegetarians can enjoy as-is, while vegans can substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based milk alternatives.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven straight from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the original baking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.

Serve It Piping Hot and Melty

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. The fresh, tangy greens will cut through the cheesy goodness and add a refreshing contrast.
• Protein Powerhouse: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform this side dish into a hearty main course. These protein additions make the meal more filling and satisfying for hungry families.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in some roasted broccoli, spinach, or caramelized onions to increase the nutritional value. These vegetables blend seamlessly with the cheesy sauce, adding depth of flavor and extra nutrients without compromising the classic comfort food experience.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or mix in diced jalapeños for those who love a little kick. These simple additions can elevate the traditional mac and cheese and give it a personal, exciting twist.

Store It the Right Way

• Store leftover mac and cheese in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions remain delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture when sealed properly.
• Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in freezer-safe containers. Frozen mac and cheese stays great for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Warm refrigerated mac and cheese in microwave, adding splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Divide mac and cheese into single-serving containers immediately after cooling. This method prevents repeated reheating, maintains quality, and creates convenient grab-and-go meals for busy days.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this mac and cheese recipe?

The combination of sharp cheddar and gruyere creates a rich, complex flavor profile. Cheddar provides bold taste while gruyere adds a nutty, creamy dimension that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour for the roux and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. These swaps won’t compromise the delicious taste and texture of the mac and cheese.

• How can I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese to the sauce off the heat and stir gradually. Using room temperature cheese and avoiding high heat helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without unwanted separation.

• Is it necessary to use both cheddar and gruyere cheeses?

While you can use just one cheese, the combination creates a more complex and deeper flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with similar hard cheeses like gouda or monterey jack for variety.

Slow Cooker Texas Style Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 6-7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Lone Star State Chili simmers with robust beef and deep, smoky spices that tell stories of Texas tradition. Slow-cooked perfection brings comfort straight from southwestern kitchens to you.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 2 ½ pounds (1.1 kilograms) beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes

Spices and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped onions
• Cheddar cheese
• Jalapeno slices
• Sour cream
• Cornbread on the side

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by searing each cube in a hot skillet with oil, ensuring a deep golden-brown crust develops on all surfaces. This caramelization will enhance the chili’s rich flavor profile.
2. In the same skillet, gently sweat the onions until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and briefly toast to unlock its aromatic essence.
3. Transfer the seared meat and softened aromatics to the slow cooker, creating a robust foundation for the chili.
4. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of spices across the ingredients – chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne – creating a complex layer of warmth and depth.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices and ensure every morsel is coated with the vibrant sauce.
6. Allow the slow cooker to transform the ingredients, gently simmering on low heat for several hours until the beef becomes incredibly tender and the flavors meld into a cohesive, hearty dish.
7. Once cooking is complete, ladle the chili into warm bowls and garnish with optional toppings like sharp cheddar cheese, crisp diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or a cooling dollop of sour cream.
8. Serve immediately alongside warm cornbread or soft tortillas to complete this quintessential Texas-style comfort meal.

Notes

• Boost meat flavor by thoroughly patting beef dry before searing to ensure proper browning and develop deeper caramelization.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity – start with less and gradually increase for personalized spice tolerance.
• Consider using chuck roast instead of standard stew meat for more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and richer beef flavor.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by verifying broth ingredients and using certified gluten-free spices, ensuring no cross-contamination during preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg