Spoon Simple
Baked Mac and Cheese
The ultimate creamy, cheesy baked mac. Crispy top, gooey inside — the only mac and cheese recipe you will ever need.
Prep 15 min
Cook 30 min
Total 45 min
Serves 8
Ingredients
Step 1 — Cook the pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- Salted water (for boiling)
Step 2 — Make the cheese sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese (shredded)
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne
Step 3 — Top and bake
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ¼ cup Parmesan (grated)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta
Cook macaroni 2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- 2
Make the cheese sauce
Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne until smooth.
- 3
Bake
Stir pasta into cheese sauce and pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan. Sprinkle over the top. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Nutrition per serving: 520 cal · 22g protein · 52g carbs · 26g fat · 2g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
