Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe! is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Mr. Cooper on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $6.88 total, $0.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (dry, uncooked)
- 2 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 cup Half‑and‑Half (refrigerated)
- 2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Measure all ingredients, shred the cheddar cheese, and set everything within easy reach.
Time: PT5M
Boil Pasta in Chicken Broth
Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot, add the elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain Pasta
Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Make the Roux
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.
Time: PT2M
Create the Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in the half‑and‑half, stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Melt the Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding the next.
Time: PT2M
Season the Sauce
Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Time: PT1M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the sauce, tossing until every noodle is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Layer in Baking Dish – First Half
Transfer half of the cheesy pasta to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with half of the remaining shredded cheese.
Time: PT2M
Layer in Baking Dish – Second Half
Add the remaining pasta on top and finish with the rest of the shredded cheese.
Time: PT2M
Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in a pre‑heated 350°F oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Comfort Food, High‑Calorie
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Shells, Penne
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (flavor will change)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour (may affect texture)
- Instead of Half‑and‑Half: Whole milk + heavy cream (1:1)
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mozzarella
- Instead of Garlic Powder: 1 clove fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pasta al dente in flavorful chicken broth.
- Creating a smooth roux without lumps.
- Melting the cheese over low heat to avoid graininess.
- Baking until the top is golden and bubbling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and a milder cheese like mozzarella for extra melt and flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky note.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is lumpy.
Whisk vigorously while adding the half‑and‑half, and ensure the roux is fully cooked before liquid addition.
Cheese becomes grainy.
Lower the heat when adding cheese and stir continuously; avoid boiling the sauce.
Top crust isn’t browning.
Broil for the last 2‑3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the dish up to step 10, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving.
- Portion into individual ramekins for easy reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked mac and cheese in American Thanksgiving traditions?
Mac and cheese became a popular Thanksgiving side in the United States during the mid‑20th century, offering a creamy, kid‑friendly alternative to traditional gravies. Its convenience and comforting flavor made it a staple at family gatherings across the country.
What regional variations of mac and cheese exist within American cuisine?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes a breadcrumb topping and extra sharp cheddar, while New England versions may use a béchamel base with Gruyère. Some regions add jalapeños, lobster, or smoked meats for a local twist.
How is baked mac and cheese traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served hot from the oven as a side dish alongside turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables. Families often garnish it with fresh parsley or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
During which occasions is baked mac and cheese commonly prepared in American culture?
Besides Thanksgiving, baked mac and cheese appears at Christmas, Easter brunches, pot‑lucks, and casual family dinners because it feeds a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time.
What makes baked mac and cheese a unique dish within American comfort food cuisine?
Its combination of a creamy cheese sauce, pasta, and a baked golden crust creates a textural contrast that is both indulgent and nostalgic, embodying the heart of American comfort cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for baked mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes use elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, butter, flour, milk or half‑and‑half, and sometimes a pinch of mustard. Substitutes like different pasta shapes, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well, but they change the flavor profile.
What other American dishes pair well with baked mac and cheese?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, honey‑glazed ham, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a simple mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, allowing the cheese sauce to boil (which makes it grainy), and under‑seasoning the sauce. Also, skipping the breadcrumb topping can result in a soggy top.
How do I know when the baked mac and cheese is done cooking?
The dish is done when the cheese on top is bubbling, golden‑brown, and the edges are lightly crisp. A quick poke with a fork should feel hot throughout.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Mr. Cooper specialize in?
Cooking With Mr. Cooper focuses on easy, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize practical techniques for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Mr. Cooper’s approach to Thanksgiving side dishes differ from other cooking channels?
Mr. Cooper emphasizes quick, budget‑conscious preparations that still deliver classic flavors, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels may showcase more elaborate or gourmet variations.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
