How to Make The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
How to Make The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by OneStopChop on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $13.86 total, $2.31 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (dry, broken into smaller pieces if desired)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, softened)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for best flavor)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (canned, unsweetened)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (cold)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
- 1 cup Gouda Cheese (shredded, smoked optional)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 4 slices Bacon (cooked crisp, crumbled)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped; can use dried parsley)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Shred Cheeses and Prepare Bacon
Shred cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then crumble. Set cheeses and bacon aside.
Time: PT10M
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and stir once. Cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Combine Pasta with Butter and Sour Cream
Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add butter and sour cream, stirring until butter melts and the mixture is glossy.
Time: PT3M
Make the Egg‑Milk Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, evaporated milk, whole milk, ground mustard, cayenne, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Sauce and Cheeses
Pour the egg‑milk sauce over the pasta, stirring quickly to coat. Add the shredded cheddar, gouda, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan, mixing until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the cheesy pasta in the greased 9x13‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the layer. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and smoked paprika.
Time: PT5M
Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Bake Uncovered for Browning
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden‑brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 2 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 35g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains eggs, Contains pork
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: cavatappi, penne
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, creme fraiche
- Instead of Large Egg: egg substitute, flax egg
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: regular milk (use 1 cup + 2 tbsp flour), half‑and‑half
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, almond milk (unflavored)
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: colby jack, aged gouda
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, monterey jack
- Instead of Gouda Cheese: smoked cheddar, edam
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: pecorino romano
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, smoked ham
- Instead of Ground Mustard: dry mustard powder
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: red pepper flakes
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander or Strainer
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Cheese Grater
- 9x13‑inch Baking Dish
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Shredding the cheeses evenly
- Tempering the egg‑milk mixture to avoid curdling
- Covering the casserole while baking to create a creamy interior
- Uncovering for the final browning stage
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and a milder mozzarella for depth of flavor and stretch.
- For an extra smoky note, use smoked Gouda or add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Let the baked mac rest a minute or two; this makes slicing cleaner.
Troubleshooting
The sauce curdles or becomes grainy.
Temper the egg‑milk mixture with a spoonful of hot pasta water before adding, and stir quickly once combined with the pasta.
The top is not browned enough.
Finish the bake uncovered for an additional 5‑7 minutes, or switch the oven to broil for 1‑2 minutes while watching closely.
The casserole is too dry.
Add a splash (2‑3 tbsp) of reserved pasta water or extra whole milk before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat covered then uncovered.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to step 6, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next day.
- If freezing, assemble, cover tightly with foil, freeze, then bake from frozen adding 10 extra minutes to the uncovered stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked mac and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Baked mac and cheese evolved from early 20th‑century American casseroles, becoming a staple at family gatherings, school cafeterias, and Southern potlucks. It represents the comfort and indulgence of melted cheese combined with pasta, a dish that grew popular during the Great Depression as an affordable, filling meal.
What regional variations of mac and cheese exist within the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes smoked meats like bacon or ham and a breadcrumb topping. New England versions may use a creamy béchamel base with sharp cheddar, while the Midwest favors a richer blend of multiple cheeses and a crunchy topping of crushed crackers or cornflakes.
How is mac and cheese traditionally served in American family gatherings?
It is typically served hot from the oven as a main or side dish, often accompanied by green salads, baked beans, or barbecue ribs. Families often top it with extra cheese or breadcrumbs for added texture, and leftovers are reheated for next‑day lunches.
What occasions or celebrations is baked mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Baked mac and cheese is a go‑to dish for holidays like Thanksgiving, Fourth of July picnics, Super Bowl parties, and potluck gatherings because it can be made in large batches and pleases both kids and adults.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic American baked mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, butter, milk, and sometimes a breadcrumb topping. Acceptable substitutes are other pasta shapes, mozzarella for stretch, or evaporated milk for extra richness, as used in this OneStopChop recipe.
What other American dishes pair well with this Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Baked Mac and Cheese from OneStopChop?
It pairs beautifully with collard greens, cornbread, roasted chicken, or a crisp Caesar salad. The richness of the mac balances well with tangy barbecue sauce or a simple vinaigrette on the side.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Baked Mac and Cheese from OneStopChop?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta (it will become mushy after baking), not tempering the egg‑milk mixture (which leads to curdling), and skipping the covered bake, which prevents the interior from staying creamy.
Why does this OneStopChop recipe use evaporated milk and whole milk instead of just regular milk?
Evaporated milk adds a richer, slightly caramelized flavor and extra body without extra fat, while whole milk contributes creaminess. Together they create a velvety sauce that stays smooth even after baking.
Can I make the Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the covered‑bake step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the covered stage. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days.
What does the YouTube channel OneStopChop specialize in?
The YouTube channel OneStopChop specializes in straightforward, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on comfort food classics, quick weeknight meals, and technique‑focused tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel OneStopChop's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
OneStopChop emphasizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and practical ingredient swaps (like evaporated milk) that keep recipes affordable and accessible, whereas many channels focus on gourmet plating or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
