Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Name: Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2- 1/2 cups Dry Macaroni Noodles; 3 Tablespoons Butter; 1/2 cups Diced Onion; 1 clove Garlic, Pressed Or Minced; 4 Tablespoons Flour; 4 cups Milk; 2 teaspoons Dijion Mustard; 1 teaspoon Pepper Or To Taste; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional); 8 ounces, weight Sharp Cheddar, Grated; 4 ounces, weight Medium Cheddar, Grated; 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs; 2 Tablespoons Butter

Servings: persons

2- 1/2 cups Dry Macaroni Noodles
3 Tablespoons Butter
1/2 cups Diced Onion
1 clove Garlic, Pressed Or Minced
4 Tablespoons Flour
4 cups Milk
2 teaspoons Dijion Mustard
1 teaspoon Pepper Or To Taste
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
8 ounces, weight Sharp Cheddar, Grated
4 ounces, weight Medium Cheddar, Grated
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
2 Tablespoons Butter

1
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8 x 11 casserole dish with butter.
2
Set aside.
3
Cook macaroni according to package instructions for al dente.
4
Place 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saute pan over medium heat.
5
Add onion and saute until golden brown and caramelized.
6
Add garlic and stir it around for another minute.
7
Add flour and stir, cooking the flour for about 30 seconds and making sure not to burn it.
8
Slowly add milk 1/4 cup at a time; about 30 seconds between additions.
9
Stir well and cook until flour mixture has absorbed all of the milk.
10
Bring the mixture to a simmer and add mustard, pepper and smoked paprika.
11
Then lower heat to low and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes.
12
Add cheese, reserving 1 cup of cheese for the top of the casserole.
13
Add the cooked and drained macaroni and stir well to cover all the nooks and crannies of the macaroni.
14
Place the mixture into the greased casserole dish and cover with remaining cheese.
15
For the topping: Melt the 2 tablespoons butter in the microwave.
16
Then add the panko bread crumbs and mix until evenly coated.
17
Spread evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
18
Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

964

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2- 1/2 cups Dry Macaroni Noodles, 3 Tablespoons Butter, 1/2 cups Diced Onion, 1 clove Garlic, Pressed Or Minced, and more.

Yes, Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions