This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese has become a staple though in our little home, especially because it makes a TON of left over for us. We usually eat it a couple times for dinner, and I have a few lunches, too. What I love the most is that it is a such a great base for experimenting with other ingredients. Sometimes I include bacon, green onions, or shredded chicken to name just a few.
This is also a really great recipe to make for a party or to bring to someone’s house for an illness or bereavement period. I have none people to freeze it as well and have it come out delicious, though I have never done this myself. If you decide to give it a try, I would freeze in the desired portions because refreezing multiple times will probably try out the pasta.
- 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 onion - chopped
- 3/4 cup butter
- 6 tbsp all purpose flour
- 4.5 cups of milk I use skim
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper I usually add more because we are big pepper people
- 3/4 cup of Italian bread crumbs
- **Bacon pancetta, green onions, chicken, etc all make good additions! The picture below shows bacon.**
-
Preheat over to 350
-
Cook pasta per directions and drain the water
-
In a stock pot, saute the onion with 1/2 cup of butter
-
Add the flour and whisk until blended (make sure the butter hasn't completely evaporated)
-
Gradually add the milk while still stirring
-
Bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring to avoid any burning. The mixture should thicken slightly.
-
Stir in the cheese, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth. I usually pour the first half of the cheese, stir well, and then pour the rest.
-
Add the cooked/drained pasta into the sauce and stir well until all the pasta is coated
-
Transfer the pasta into a greased 9x13 baking dish
-
Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the dish. If desired, you could toss the breadcrumbs with some butter before adding to the top.
-
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes.
Do you have a favorite added ingredient for Mac and Cheese?
Anyonita says
I LOVE baked mac & cheese! My mom used to make it all the time growing up 🙂 I”ll have to try this recipe with gluten free pasta 🙂
Joanne COok says
Can’t wait to try this tonight!
Melissa says
I made this tonight. It’s kid approved! My kids are the pickiest eaters and when they love something I hang on to it! I highly recommend this dish.
Maggie says
I am so glad your kids loved it! It is definitely one of my all time faves.
krystal says
This looks REALLY good. I can’t wait to try!
Kristen D says
Love this! I am going to try in this weekend!
Sandra says
This looks so good!!! I would love to try it. Pinned.
fnnkybutt says
Holy cow this looks so good. I LOVE baked mac and cheese, calories be darned!
Jackie Lee says
this looks so good. I’m always looking for a good mac and cheese recipe! I like the addition of bacon! mmmm bacon.