
Best Baked Mac And Cheese
Best Baked Mac And Cheese
In my family, mac and cheese isn't just a dish—it’s a crown jewel. Since childhood, it’s been the center of every family gathering, and everyone had their own spin on it. For 30 years, my mom and sister ruled the mac and cheese game. I was the baby of the family, always hearing, "Shun makes the mac around here." But I knew my time was coming.
I spent years quietly perfecting my recipe, experimenting with different cheeses, making it creamier, cheesier, and downright irresistible. My first real test was my husband—he’d tried everyone’s version, from my mom to his grandma. One day, his grandma called me and asked for my recipe for MY Mac and cheese. That’s when I knew I was on the rise. lol When someone goes home, ready to make that dish, and thinks of you—oh, that’s when you know you are on the right track to be a winner.
For a while, at every family reunion, my mac and cheese would be the first dish to disappear. Even though they weren’t quite ready to give me the official title, I saw the writing on the wall. Slowly, my family started giving me props. My mac and cheese became a must-have. When I walked into a reunion, they’d whisper to thy neighbor, “Who made this mac and cheese?” i just sit back and smile -- I knew my reign was coming.
Then came the ultimate showdown—a family cook-off, with everyone’s mac and cheese recipe on display. It was me versus Shun, the reigning queen -- she knocked mama out about 15 years ago, but she was no match for me. Keyuna stands no chance! She is a great cook, but she is missing the love for the mac if you know what i mean. lol I stepped into that kitchen like a heavyweight champ, ready to shred, mix, and layer my way to victory. As the judges tasted each dish, I knew mine stood out. Creamy, cheesy, a perfect golden crust. The crowd was whispering about my cheese pull. When they called the winner, the crowd erupted—my name was on everyone’s lips.
I took home the trophy for best mac and cheese that day, and as they cheered my name, I knew one thing for sure: I had claimed the crown. No one was topping my mac and cheese now!
Why Is Mac And Cheese So Famous?
Although the exact history of mac and cheese is unknown, some claim that the earliest recipe dates back to the 13th century and originated in southern Italy. It was made of lasagne sheets, formed from fermented dough, cut into little squares, boiled, and combined with grated cheese.
Mac and cheese gained popularity because of its affordability during the end of the Great Depression. When Kraft Foods introduced it in 1937, it sold 9 million boxes under the slogan "the housewife's best friend, a nourishing one-pot meal." Then, during World War II, the food's popularity skyrocketed once more.
Why Is My Mac And Cheese So Famous?
My mac and cheese is so famous because it's simple. Some things don't need all the flashy bells to be the best. and that's what my mac and cheese represent. Now what i do that different from everyone else, is i use fresh cheese and cheese sauce. and the secret ingredient is i use sharp cheddar cheese. Alot of cheeses do not have any depth to their favorite profile. that why folk be trying to add all that extra stuff to make their mac taste good. Always use sharp cheddar and always use more of it than any other cheese and watch the change that it adds.
How To Make Baked Mac And Cheese?
Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed recipe with exact ingredients measurements for this Mac and cheese recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Mac and cheese is versatile enough to be served as a main dish or a hearty side dish. Here are a few options that complement well with this cheesy creation:
Serve this Mac and cheese as a side dish with your favorite protein such as:
Serve as a main dish with:
Recipe Notes
- For the creamiest mac and cheese, use high-quality cheese.
- While adding the milk, make sure to whisk the sauce continuously to prevent lumps.
- This Mac and cheese recipe is very adaptable, so feel free to use different cheeses and seasonings you like.
- This mac and cheese keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can reheat and enjoy it.
Healthy Alternatives
You don't have to feel guilty eating mac and cheese. You can still enjoy this dish and maintain a better diet by making a few wise changes.
- Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese: To increase fiber content and lower the glycemic effect, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. Many types of cheese go nicely with the nutty taste of whole wheat.
- Low-Fat Cheese Options: To cut calories without compromising on smoothness, use skim milk and reduced-fat cheeses. For extra protein, you can also stir in some cottage cheese.
- Sneaky Veggies: Add pureed carrots, butternut squash, or cauliflower to the cheese sauce to increase its nutritious content. While maintaining the dish's creamy texture and amazing flavor, these vegetables also add vitamins and minerals to the sauce.
Delicious Variations To This Classic Mac and cheese
Even while this classic recipe is undoubtedly fantastic, there are times when you want to take mac & cheese to the next level. These delicious Mac and cheese versions are sure to wow your guests and satiate your palate.
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: Before baking, mix in chunks of lobster for a wonderfully rich treat. The lobster's natural sweetness complements the cheesy sauce to perfection.
- Truffle Mac & Cheese: Use freshly shaved truffles or truffle oil to add a luxurious touch. Truffles' earthy taste and rich aroma elevate this comforting dish to a gourmet level.
- Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese: To add a deep, smokey flavor to your mac and cheese, replace the cheddar with smoked gouda. This version is perfect for those who want strong, unique flavors.
FAQ’s
What Country Is Known For Mac And Cheese?
It's a very popular Mac and cheese dish that may be made from scratch or right out of a box. Even though this recipe seems very American, the history of cheesy pasta casseroles dates back to ancient Italy, so don't be surprised. Mac and cheese is here to stay.
Is Mac And Cheese Healthy?
Mac & cheese is well-known for being calorie-dense, rich, and creamy. However, calorie and nutrient content varies according to brand, ingredient, and serving size. As part of a balanced diet, it should be consumed in moderation.
How Is Mac And Cheese Eaten?
The fork is the most popular mac-and-cheese utensil. According to a survey, just 28 percent of adults indicated they preferred using a spoon to eat mac and cheese, compared to 71% who said they preferred using a fork.
Is Macaroni Cheese A Main Meal?
Mac 'n' cheese, as it is often known in America, is a side dish served in restaurants and at home. However, as this well-liked dish is substantial enough, it can definitely be served as a main course.
I hope you liked this "Baked Mac And Cheese" recipe! Its cheesy & creamy goodness is damn delicious that you can't get enough of it.

Best Baked Mac And Cheese
Lakeisha Warren
Rated 4.0 stars by 2 users
Category
Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine
American/Italian
Servings
4-6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
In my family, making the mac and cheese for a Southern gathering is like holding the crown—it’s the ultimate kitchen flex. For 30 years, my mom and sister ruled, but then I came in swinging, shredding, and mixing like Muhammad Ali! Now, the title is mine, and trust me, no one’s topping my mac and cheese. Check out my tips!
Ingredients
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1lb pasta (Kraft Pasta Kit)
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4 tbsp salted butter
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1 can evaporated milk
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8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded (2 hand fulls)
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4 oz Smoked Gouda, shredded
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4 oz. Monterey Jack, shredded
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2 tsp or to taste, pepper and Original Crabby Seasoning
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1 egg, per box of mac
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Water
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook pasta in 2-3 tablespoons of table salt, according to the package instructions until it is al dente and drain. Make sure your pasta is not too soft
While the pasta is cooking, put the cheese sauce pack somewhere close to the stove so the cheese gets slightly warm. This is going to make sure the cheese is easy to work with.
Put your pasta and the cheese sauce in your casserole dish, stirring continuously, until the mixture has covered all of the pasta.
In a large cup, add equal parts of evaporated milk and water, one egg and heavy pepper and a tad of salt (very little salt, the saltiness will come from the cheeses. don’t overdo this). Grab a folk and mix this together, set aside
Add all of the cheese and stir until fully incorporated. Add your milk mix to the pasta and cheese. THIS IS IMPORTANT : This liquid should cover every single piece of pasta. If you need more liquid, make some more, or add more water. the texture at this point should almost look soupy.
Get 5 tablespoons of butter and place them each in the corners of the dish and one in the middle. Add original crabby seasoning to taste, and coarse pepper to the top of the mac and cheese. Bake on 350 for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. There should be a nice variation of darkness on the mac when you remove it from the oven
Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. Serve.
Recipe Note
- For the creamiest mac and cheese, shred your own cheese. If you cant do this, make sure you purchase this for the correct thickness for cheese in macaroni recipes .
- Pro tip: Thin cheese will cook to fast and mac your mac and cheese dry
- While making the milk and egg concoction, make sure to whisk this with a fork so you can break the egg up well.
- This recipe is a classic, don't change anything
- Do Not Substitute List: The key ingredient to amazing mac and cheese is SHARP Cheddar cheese. If the grocery store you shop at don't have this ingredient.... go to another store. Do not attempt this recipe without this ingredient.
- This mac and cheese keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can reheat and enjoy it.