Fritando Ovo

Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheddar - Easy Creamy Recipe

If you haven’t tried this Mac and Cheese now its your chance. Make a 6 serving for $10. This baked mac and cheese with cheddar is creamy, rich, and topped with a perfectly golden crust. It’s an easy comfort food recipe made with simple ingredients and no complicated steps — pe...

crust of baked mac and cheese on round plate
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
40 minutes min
Yield
6 people
Calories
520

Ingredients

  • 500 g pasta elbow shape
  • olive oil
  • 4 cup cheddar
  • 2 cup mozarella
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 4 cup milk
  • 1/2 tbsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Crust

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • italian parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta as per instructions, drain and mix with some olive oil. Set aside.
  2. In a bowl mix the 2 cheeses together and set aside a 1/3 of it for the topping.
  3. In a large pot melt the butter until golden.
  4. Add and cook the flour for a few minutes.
  5. Add half of the milk mix, bringing to a simmer.
  6. Add the last 2 cups of milk, salt, pepper and paprika.
  7. Cook until it thickens.
  8. Turn off the heat and add the cheese.
  9. Mix well then add the cooked pasta.
  10. Mix to coat all the past.
  11. Transfer to a large baking dish.
  12. Top it with the reserve cheese. Set aside.
  13. In a pan melt 1/2 cup of butter cook until golden.
  14. Add the breadcrumbs and cook for a few minutes.
  15. Add some chopped parsley.
  16. Cover the cheese pasta with the breadcrumbs.
  17. Bake for 20-25 minutes 180C | 356F then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Watch It Made

Watch Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheddar - Easy Creamy Recipe on YouTube

Why You’ll Love This

  • Creamy and smooth cheese sauce that doesn’t dry out
  • Golden baked topping for the perfect texture contrast
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
  • Easy to make ahead and bake when needed

Give It Your Own Twist

  • Add crispy bacon or ham for extra flavour
  • Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan
  • Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for a bit of heat
  • Stir in broccoli or spinach for a veggie version

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.Yes, assemble everything and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze mac and cheese?

Yes, but for best texture freeze before baking and cook fresh.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

This usually happens when using pre-shredded cheese or overheating the sauce..

How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?

Avoid overbaking and use enough sauce to coat all the pasta well.