A hot baked mac and cheese recipe fresh from the oven is the one comfort food that will never go out of style. The top is golden and crunchy. The gooey, creamy middle. The smell of melted cheese in your kitchen is too good to resist…
The best part is that you don’t have to be a pro chef to make this dish. I’ll show you how to make baked mac and cheese so good that your friends will think it came from a restaurant.
And if you want something lighter, I have a healthy mac and cheese recipe that you can try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the classic baked mac and cheese recipe:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
For the healthy mac and cheese recipe variation:
- Use pasta made from whole wheat or chickpeas.
- Use unsweetened almond milk instead of 2 cups of milk.
- Add puréed butternut squash or cauliflower to make it creamier and cut back on the cheese a little.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Cook the pasta
Boil your pasta until it’s just al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven. Set aside and drain.
Make the cheese sauce
Put the butter in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it in. Cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly add warm milk while whisking, and keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Add the cheese
Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until they melt and become creamy. If you want, add salt, pepper, and paprika.
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until it is completely covered.
Prepare the topping
To get that perfect golden crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter.
Bake to perfection
Put the mixture in a greased baking dish, sprinkle it with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until it is golden and bubbling.
For food-loving families or if you are having a small gathering party, check out these budget-friendly Popeyes family meals.
Mac and Cheese Calories: What to Expect
To be honest, mac and cheese isn’t a low-calorie meal. Depending on the size of the serving and the ingredients, a typical serving of classic baked mac and cheese can have between 300 and 500 calories.
Want to cut back? Try the healthy mac and cheese recipe above. It will lower the number of calories and add fiber and vitamins.
Popeyes Mac and Cheese: The Fast-Food Twist
You know how rich, creamy, and indulgent Popeyes mac and cheese is if you’ve ever had it. It’s definitely more of a treat than something you eat every day.
You can control the calories in your homemade baked mac and cheese while still getting that cheesy, comforting taste you love from the Popeyes side dish. Although there is a separate fan base that loves that specific Popeyes’ mac and cheese side dish from the Popeyes menu.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese goes great with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
- Fresh green salad for balance
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for extra veggies
- Cornbread for a true Southern-inspired spread
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Make your own cheese shreds: Pre-shredded cheese has things in it that stop it from clumping together, which can make sauces grainy.
- Before baking, the pasta should be a little firm, so don’t cook it too long.
- Add some extras, like crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or jalapeños, to make it even better.
FAQs:
1. How can I make mac and cheese healthier?
Use whole grain or chickpea pasta, cut back on the cheese a little, and add pureed vegetables like squash or cauliflower to make it creamy.
2. How many calories are in mac and cheese?
The number of calories in mac and cheese depends on the recipe. Classic recipes have about 300 to 500 calories per serving, while lighter ones have 200 to 350 calories.
3. Can I make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Put everything together, cover it well, and put it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, bake.
4. What’s the difference between baked mac and cheese and stovetop mac and cheese?
Baked mac and cheese has a crispy top and is cooked in the oven. Stovetop mac and cheese is creamy and cooked completely on the stove.
5. Is Popeyes mac and cheese baked?
Yes, the top layer of Popeyes mac and cheese is rich and caramelized because it is baked in the oven.
6. What to serve with mac and cheese?
Roasted meats, BBQ dishes, fresh salads, or steamed vegetables are all great choices.
Final Thoughts
A baked mac and cheese recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a casserole full of comfort. Everyone will be happy at the table, whether you make a classic mac and cheese, a healthy version, or try to recreate the flavor of Popeyes mac and cheese at home.
So get your cheese grater and preheat the oven. You’re going to make the kind of mac and cheese that people will ask for again and again.