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Baked mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy three-cheese blend and a golden baked topping. This comfort food favorite is made with cheddar, Gruyere, and Gouda, paired with perfectly cooked pasta and a smooth, flavorful sauce. An easy, customizable option for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or potlucks, this dish is a crowd-pleasing classic. Includes tips for make-ahead preparation, gluten-free options, and creative mix-ins.

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1 lb. elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Blend

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use 1 tablespoon kosher salt). Add the macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than al dente (approximately 7 minutes, or refer to package instructions). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside in the pot.

Make the Roux

In a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and begins to turn light brown.

Prepare the Sauce

Gradually add the heavy cream and milk to the roux in small splashes, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, uncovered, while stirring occasionally.

Add Seasonings and Cheese

Stir in the hot sauce, mustard powder, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Remove the pot from heat.
Gradually sprinkle in 4 cups of the shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Gruyere, and Gouda), stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Combine and Assemble

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the pot. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For a golden, bubbly topping, broil at 450°F for an additional 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The perfect balance of cheeses and a smooth sauce make this a luxurious dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: A classic comfort food that’s always a hit at gatherings or family dinners.
Easy to Customize: Swap cheeses or add mix-ins to tailor the recipe to your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Tips for Success

Pasta Cooking: Cook pasta slightly underdone, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Cheese Shredding: Shred cheese from a block for the smoothest sauce; pre-shredded cheese can result in a grainy texture.
Avoiding a Thin Sauce: Add milk and cream slowly to prevent breaking the roux.
Golden Top: Broil at the end for a crispy, golden layer of cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Options: Substitute cheeses like Monterey Jack, Fontina, or Parmesan.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese.
Mix-Ins: Stir in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables for added flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and all-purpose gluten-free flour.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Yes, freeze after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.
Offer as a side dish for holiday meals or potlucks.

This baked mac and cheese delivers a rich, creamy flavor with a bubbly, golden topping, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.