Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

There’s just something utterly irresistible about a bubbling, golden-topped Mac and Cheese Casserole. It’s comfort food at its finest: tender pasta enveloped in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce, finished with a shower of buttery breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunchy contrast. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this dish always delivers the familiar hug of home-cooked goodness. If you’re on the hunt for a meal that never goes out of style and is beloved from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, Mac and Cheese Casserole is your ticket to pure, cheesy joy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honestly, the beauty of this classic starts with simple but powerful ingredients. Each one pulls its weight—some lending creaminess, others bold flavor or essential texture. Here’s what you’ll need to craft that perfect Mac and Cheese Casserole everyone adores.

• Elbow Macaroni (1 pound): Short, tubular pasta grabs the cheese sauce in every bite, making it the gold standard for macaroni and cheese bakes.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): The base of your roux, butter brings a rich, savory flavor that’s crucial in layering taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): This thickens the sauce so it clings to every noodle instead of pooling at the bottom.
• Whole Milk (3 cups): Adds body and a mild creaminess to the cheese sauce without making it too heavy.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Brings the sauce to a new level of indulgence and silkiness.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A whisper of garlic gives a subtle savory depth that’s never overwhelming.
• Mustard Powder (1/2 teaspoon): This little touch sharpens the cheese flavor and balances the richness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for making all the flavors sing.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right punch of warmth.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (3 cups): The star of the show, sharp cheddar melts beautifully with deep, tangy flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): For supreme meltiness and those dreamy strings of cheese in every scoop.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Intensifies the overall cheesy notes and adds a nutty, salty finish.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs (1 cup, optional): For that classic golden crust—feel free to skip or swap for gluten-free!
• Melted Butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Helps those breadcrumbs toast up perfectly crisp and flavorful.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go as soon as you’ve assembled the casserole. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but be sure to stop at “al dente”—the noodles should still have a bit of bite. They’ll finish cooking while baking later, right in that luscious cheese sauce. Once done, drain well and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt all four tablespoons of butter. As soon as it’s bubbling but not browned, sprinkle in your flour. Whisk constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes—this forms your roux, which acts as the thickening magic for the cheese sauce. You want it to stay pale and smell a little toasty, but not develop any color.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking all the time to keep things smooth and lump-free. Toss in the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens gently—a process that should take 5 to 6 minutes. Once you notice the sauce nicely coating the back of your spoon, remove it from the heat and get ready for cheese heaven.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Now for the fun part: one handful at a time, stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, yielding a smooth, golden blend. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if you love a little extra zip.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the drained, al dente macaroni right into your cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is perfectly coated in that silky, gooey sauce. Don’t worry if it looks extra saucy right now—that’s exactly how you want it before baking, as the pasta will soak up some of that goodness in the oven.

Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in your mac and cheese mixture, spreading it out nice and even with a spatula so every corner gets its fair share of cheese.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping (Optional)

If you love a crunchy top (and who doesn’t?), combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. This step is optional, but it gives your Mac and Cheese Casserole that signature golden, crisp crown.

Step 8: Bake and Rest

Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Let your casserole rest for five minutes after baking—this helps the cheese set up just enough for clean, creamy scooping.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Casserole

Garnishes

Dress up your Mac and Cheese Casserole with a simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a dash of smoked paprika, or a light grating of extra Parmesan. Each garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh or smoky note that takes the whole dish up a notch, making every serving a little extra special.

Side Dishes

Looking to round out your meal? This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, tangy coleslaw, roasted broccoli, or even garlicky sautéed greens. Choose sides that cut through the richness, offering contrast and brightness on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, scoop the Mac and Cheese Casserole into mini ramekins or muffin tin cups for perfect individual servings. If you’re going for rustic, a big, family-style dish straight from the oven is always a crowd-pleaser. Feeling fancy? Top with crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving to give your guests plenty of flavor options to explore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mac and Cheese Casserole keeps beautifully! Once cooled, cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and the texture remains creamy, making for fantastic lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap the whole dish or individual portions in a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers by covering and baking in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (usually 20 to 30 minutes). For single servings, you can microwave them with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency. Stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly and stays luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Side Dish

Absolutely! While elbows are traditional, cavatappi, shells, rotini, or penne all work beautifully. Just keep the pasta bite-sized and slightly al dente so it holds up well during baking.

How can I customize this Mac and Cheese Casserole for extra flavor?

Mix in crispy bacon, sautéed onions, roasted garlic, or your favorite hot sauce straight into the cheese sauce for unique twists. Try experimenting with smoked cheeses, diced tomatoes, or a handful of spinach for added color and taste.

Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your preferred gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. For the topping, either omit the breadcrumbs or substitute with gluten-free crumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Can I prepare Mac and Cheese Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to two days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle on the topping and add about 10 minutes to the baking time since it starts off cold.

Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy?

Grainy sauce usually means the cheese was added when the mixture was too hot or boiled after the cheese went in. For silky smooth results, always melt cheese off the heat and stir gently until just incorporated.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dish that’s pure comfort and never disappoints, you really need to treat yourself (and loved ones) to this Mac and Cheese Casserole. Every spoonful is cheesy, creamy, and just downright happy-making. Trust me—once you’ve tried making it at home, you’ll find new excuses to bake up this classic favorite again and again!

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