Baked White Mac Cheese

This creamy baked white mac cheese transforms ordinary pasta into a luxurious, golden-topped comfort food masterpiece.

Quick Answer: Make this baked white mac cheese by combining al dente pasta with a rich white cheese sauce, then top with buttery breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra creamy with a perfect blend of white cheeses
Crispy, golden breadcrumb topping
Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights
Budget-friendly comfort food
Leftovers reheat beautifully

Quick Benefits

This baked white mac cheese delivers restaurant-quality results with simple pantry ingredients. The combination of different white cheeses creates depth of flavor, while the crispy topping adds wonderful texture contrast.

Ingredients

1 pound Cavatappi pasta, cooked to al dente
4 tablespoons Butter
4 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
2 cups Whole Milk
2 cups Heavy Cream
1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, hand shredded
½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
½ cup Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Melted Butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large lipped skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and whisk in the flour. Stir it continuously for 2-3 minutes.
Slowly stream in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it gently boil for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly. Keep in mind that the cheeses will add more salt.
Gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack cheeses, allowing them to melt completely into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and fold it into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and seasoned breadcrumbs. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Place the dish onto the center rack of the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and toasted and the sides are hot and bubbly.
Allow the dish to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving warm.

You Must Know

Don’t overcook the pasta – it continues cooking in the oven
Grate cheese fresh for best melting
Sauce should be slightly thinner than desired as it thickens while baking
Use full-fat cheese for the creamiest results
Let rest before serving to set up properly

Serving Suggestions

Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
Garlic bread
White wine like Chardonnay

Creative Variations

Add crispy bacon or pancetta
Mix in caramelized onions
Include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Top with sliced tomatoes before breadcrumbs

Cultural Notes

Macaroni and cheese has roots in European cuisine but became an American comfort food staple in the 1800s. The white cheddar version is particularly popular in New England, where sharp white cheddar cheese has historically been produced.

Pro Tips

Warm milk before adding to roux for smoother sauce
Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting
Create deeper flavor by toasting the panko before using
Rest ingredients at room temperature for even cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this baked white mac cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape to use?
A: Traditional elbow macaroni works best, but shells or cavatappi are good alternatives.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked without topping for up to 3 months.

Q: Why is my sauce grainy?
A: This usually happens if the cheese is added when the sauce is too hot. Remove from heat first.

Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Yes, but stick to good melting white cheeses like Fontina, Havarti, or Monterey Jack.

Health Benefits

While baked white mac cheese is an indulgent dish, it provides calcium and protein from cheese, and can be made healthier by using whole grain pasta and adding vegetables. The homemade version allows control over ingredients and portions.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 750 • Carbs: 65g • Protein: 32g • Fat: 40g • Sodium: 890mg

Notes

For best results, serve immediately while the top is crispy and the sauce is at its creamiest consistency.