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🧀🔥 MAC & CHEESE CRAVING TURNED MASTERPIECE 🔥🧀 Because sometimes, the store-bought blue box just won’t cut it.
- mike8447
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
This past weekend, I got hit with a serious hankering for something warm, cheesy, and nostalgic—but I’m talking about real mac and cheese. Not that powdered stuff.
I’m talking about baked, bubbly, golden-topped, rich and creamy mac and cheese that hits the soul.
So what did I do?
I dusted off the old recipe stash I’ve built up over the years (you know the one—sauce-stained and battle-tested) and got to work in the kitchen.
I made enough to feed an army—some for us, some for the neighbors… and still had leftovers.
And let me tell you: the leftovers are even better the next day. 💯
Several of you have been sliding into my messages asking for the recipe, so without further ado—here’s my ultimate, old-fashioned baked mac & cheese recipe. 🍽️💛
🍝 What You’ll Need
🧂 Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni (or shells, penne, rotini—dealer’s choice)
½ cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream (or sub in 2 cups of half-and-half for cream + 1 cup milk)
¾ tsp salt 🧂
¾ tsp ground black pepper 🌶️
10 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
10 oz gruyere cheese, shredded 🧀
½ cup panko bread crumbs (I used just under a cup and upped the butter for extra crunch!)
Optional: Toss in some chopped, crispy bacon 🥓 with the breadcrumb topping for a smoky bonus layer.
🔥 Let’s Get Cheesy — Step-by-Step
👩🍳 Prep & Cook
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta 1 minute less than package says—al dente is the name of the game. Drain and toss in a big bowl. (You can drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.)
Make the roux: Melt ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Cook till it smells nutty (about 2–3 min).
Make it creamy: Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir until thickened and bubbly (about 5 min). Remove from heat.
Get cheesy: Set aside ½ cup of each cheese. Stir the rest into the sauce with salt and pepper until melted.
Mix: Pour cheesy sauce over the pasta. Stir to coat every noodle with love.
Build the casserole: Grease a 3-quart or 9x13" baking dish. Pour in the mac mixture. Top with the reserved cheese.
🔥 Breadcrumb Topping
Melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter in a skillet. Stir in the panko. Cook while stirring till golden brown. (⚠️ Watch closely—panko goes from golden to burnt fast! 🔥)
Optional twist: Stir in chopped cooked bacon. Or garlic powder. Or nothing. You do you. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
🔥 Bake It
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden.
Let it cool for 10 minutes. This is when the magic happens. ✨
🔁 Leftovers & Make-Ahead Tips
📆 Can I make it ahead? Yes! Hold off on baking and breadcrumb topping. Assemble the casserole and stash it in the fridge. When ready, add topping and bake fresh.
⏳ How long does it last?In the fridge? A week. In the freezer? 2 months. Just make sure it's wrapped up tight!
❄️ Freezing Tips:Let cool fully. Wrap well. Freeze. Reheat at 200°F until warmed through or defrost overnight and bake as directed.
🧀 Cheese Talk: Best Options
My faves:✅ Sharp Cheddar – classic tang and perfect melt✅ Gruyere – nutty, luxurious, swoon-worthy
Other top contenders:
Colby or Colby Jack
Pepper Jack 🌶️
Mozzarella (stringy dreams)
Smoked Gouda (deep, smoky flavor)
Havarti (super creamy)
💡 TIP: Always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that mess with melty perfection.
🛠️ Helpful Tools
🥘 Large pot for pasta
🍲 Saucepan for the cheese magic
🔥 Skillet for breadcrumbs
🥣 Mixing bowl
🧽 3-quart or 9x13" baking dish
⏱️ Time Breakdown
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Cool: 10 mins
Total: 1 hour 10 mins
Serves: 8 happy bellies
🏁 The Cheesy Conclusion
There’s mac and cheese… and then there’s THIS mac and cheese.
It’s creamy, crunchy, rich, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make you the hero of any potluck, dinner party, or Sunday night craving.
Whether you're sharing with neighbors or hoarding the leftovers (zero judgment), this baked beauty delivers every time. 😋
Try it. Share it. Fall in love with it. 💛
🧀And if you make it, tag me—I want to see those golden tops and cheesy pulls!
