“Best Ever Baked Mac N Cheese” recipe
The Origins of Mac & Cheese
Mac and Cheese is one of America’s most beloved comfort foods, but its story stretches back centuries. A dish resembling it, called maccheroni, was enjoyed in 14th-century Italy. Later, Thomas Jefferson is often credited with helping introduce the idea to the United States after sampling a pasta-and-cheese dish while abroad in Europe. By the 1800s, baked macaroni and cheese recipes began appearing in American cookbooks, and by the late 1930s, boxed versions made the dish affordable and convenient for every household. Today, mac and cheese ranges from simple stovetop renditions to elevated gourmet versions with lobster, truffle oil, or artisanal cheeses—yet its heart remains the same: warm, creamy, and comforting.
Baked Mac N Cheese – The Best Ever!
Equipment
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Food cutter with #1 Grating cone (cheese) & #2 Julienne cone (block cheese)
- 3-quart saucepan
- 2-quart steamer/strainer
- 1-quart saucepan
Preparation
⏱ Total: 1 hour • Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce:
- ½ lb. elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta (#87)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (or dried ground)
- ¼ tsp dry mustard powder
- ½ cup Half-and-Half
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 6 oz Velveeta cheese
- ¼ cup Swiss cheese, grated
- 4 Tbsp (¼ cup) cream cheese
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup whole milk (or rice milk for dairy-free)
Topping:
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup seasoned or Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, grated
Directions
-
Cook Pasta:
In a 3-quart saucepan, bring purified or filtered water (not chlorinated tap water) to a boil over medium heat at 275°F. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain through the steamer/strainer and set aside. -
Make Cheese Sauce:
In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat (275°F). Whisk in flour and cook 2–3 minutes, until it smells slightly nutty. Add nutmeg and mustard; cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Gradually whisk in Half-and-Half and milk, stirring until thickened (4–5 minutes). Turn off the heat and add cheeses a little at a time, whisking until smooth. Stir in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
At this stage, you can serve directly from the pan for creamy stovetop mac & cheese.
-
Bake (Optional):
Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer mac & cheese to a baking dish.
In a 1-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat (175°F). Stir in the breadcrumbs until they are coated, and then remove from the heat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with Pecorino or Parmesan.
Bake 30–40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Serving
Serve hot, garnished with extra grated cheese if desired. Creamy, crunchy, and comforting—this truly is the Best Ever Baked Mac N Cheese.