Pixicook
LoginGet Started
    HomeRecipesPastaClassic Crusty Baked Macaroni & Cheese
    recipe image

    Classic Crusty Baked Macaroni & Cheese

    clock-icon70 minutes
    author-image
    Author
    Pixicook editorial team

    A timeless comfort food favorite with a creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping.

    Ingredients for Classic Crusty Baked Macaroni & Cheese

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
    USchevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Elbow Macaroni

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsalted Butter, melted

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    All Purpose Flour

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Milk

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Black Pepper, ground

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Mustard

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsalted Butter, melted

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Breadcrumbs

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Classic Crusty Baked Macaroni & Cheese

    1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking as soon as your macaroni and cheese is assembled.

    2. Cook Macaroni

    Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta reaches al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and set it aside.

    3. Prepare Roux

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.

    4. Make Cheese Sauce

    Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, adding it in small increments to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk the mixture until it becomes thick and smooth, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon each of black pepper and ground mustard. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

    5. Combine Macaroni and Sauce

    Combine your cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is well-coated.

    6. Prepare Baking Dish

    Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

    7. Add Topping

    For the perfect crusty topping, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

    8. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

    Variations

    Bacon or Pancetta

    Add crispy bacon or pancetta bits for a salty, savory dimension.

    Caramelized Onions

    Stir in some caramelized onions before baking to add a sweet and savory depth.

    Gruyère and Fontina

    Swap out part of the classic cheddar with equal parts Gruyère and Fontina for a nuttier and creamier profile.

    Lobster or Crab

    Gently fold cooked lobster meat or crab into the dish for an indulgent seafood version.

    Roasted Garlic

    Mix in roasted garlic cloves for a mellow, earthy note.


    Comments (0)

    Add your comment...

    Explore More Pasta recipes

    Explore More Collections

    Crispy Skin Chicken Thigh with Garlic-Caper Pan Sauce

    Quick Chicken

    Crispy Herb-Crusted Dijon Chicken

    Baked Chicken

    Hearty Red Lentil Soup

    Easy Winter

    Caramelized Skillet Shrimp with Optional Citrus or Chipotle Glaze

    Quick Easy Shrimp Saute