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The BEST Baked Mac and Cheese
4.3 from 375 votes

The BEST Baked Mac and Cheese

The BEST Baked Mac and Cheese features elbow macaroni coated in a smooth cheese sauce made from havarti and gouda cheeses, enriched with mustard powder for depth. Topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbly, it creates a creamy, cheesy casserole with a crisp, flavorful crust that holds up well as a comforting main or side dish.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 46263 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 7 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons mustard powder dry
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk whole
  • 3 cups havarti cheese approx. 10 ounces total, shredded
  • 3 cups gouda cheese approx. 10 ounces total, shredded
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or any short pasta noodle
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons parsley optional, chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a deep bottom saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add mustard and flour. Whisk briskly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. Pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in cheese until smooth and add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Boil the pasta until just al dente. Drain the water and pour the pasta into the pot with the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 9 X 13 casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs. Cover with foil.
  4. Place mac and cheese in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and return the mac and cheese to the oven to continue baking for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Top with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.

Nutrition Information

Calories 462.63kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 36.8g (12%) Protein 21.92g (44%) Fat 25.19g (39%) Saturated Fat 15.42g (77%) Cholesterol 86.25mg (29%) Sodium 548.9mg (23%) Potassium 248.99mg (5%) Fiber 1.55g (6%) Sugar 5.39g (11%) Vitamin A 693.26IU (14%) Vitamin C 0.97mg (1%) Calcium 474.89mg (47%) Iron 1.03mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 46263

% Daily Value*

Calories 462.63kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 36.8g 12%
Protein 21.92g 44%
Fat 25.19g 39%
Saturated Fat 15.42g 77%
Cholesterol 86.25mg 29%
Sodium 548.9mg 23%
Potassium 248.99mg 5%
Fiber 1.55g 6%
Sugar 5.39g 11%
Vitamin A 693.26IU 14%
Vitamin C 0.97mg 1%
Calcium 474.89mg 47%
Iron 1.03mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.