Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A white ceramic casserole dish of baked macaroni and cheese.

Baked Mac and Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: The BakerMama
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Description

With a mix of cheddar, mozzarella and Monterrey jack cheeses, this Baked Mac and Cheese is a wonderfully rich and satisfying side dish.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta (I use cavatappi)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 and 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, stir together the shredded cheeses.
  5. Reserve 1 and 1/2 cups of the combined shredded cheeses to top the dish with before baking.
  6. In the same pot you boiled the pasta in, melt the butter over medium heat and then whisk in the flour mixture, a little at a time, continuously whisking until the mixture is thick and starts to turn light brown, about a minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3 minutes.
  7. Turn the heat to low and add 3 cups of the combined shredded cheeses, stirring until melted.
  8. Stir in the cooked pasta until thoroughly coated.
  9. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish.
  10. Top pasta with the reserved 1 and 1/2 combined shredded cheeses.
  11. Place the baking dish in the heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, browning and starting to crisp in spots.