Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy dish to wrap you in comfort and nostalgia, and our Cozy Cheesy Comfort Mac Bake is the ultimate treat for any mac and cheese lover. This recipe takes the classic favorite to new heights with layers of creamy cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crunchy, golden topping that will make your taste buds sing.

Jump to Recipe

Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family gathering, this dish embodies warmth and togetherness, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food. With a few wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of gooey deliciousness. So, grab your baking dish and let’s dive into this cozy masterpiece that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
1. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
1. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
1. Gradually whisk in the milk, then stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to heat but do not boil.
1. Once the milk mixture is warm, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
1. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
1. In a separate small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
1. Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6

Key Ingredients

Macaroni Pasta: 2 cups (cooked al dente)
Cheese Mixture:
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Milk: 2 cups (whole milk for creaminess)
Butter: 4 tablespoons (unsalted, for richness)
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (for the roux)
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (for a crunchy topping)
Optional Mix-ins (for added flavor and nutrition):
1 cup cooked bacon or sausage pieces
1 cup steamed broccoli or peas
Fresh Parsley: A handful (chopped, for garnish)

Baking Process for Cozy Cheesy Comfort Mac Bake

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your mac bake cooks evenly.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the Cheese: Once the sauce is thick, reduce the heat to low and stir in 3 cups of shredded cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works great). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine until every piece is well coated in cheesy goodness.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Panko for an extra crunch), 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy your Cozy Cheesy Comfort Mac Bake!

Tips:

Feel free to add in cooked veggies or proteins, like broccoli or diced chicken, to make it a heartier meal.
Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors – Gruyère, Parmesan, or fontina can add a gourmet twist.

Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Cozy Cheesy Comfort Mac Bake experience, consider the following serving suggestions:

Garden Salad: Pair your mac and cheese bake with a light and refreshing garden salad. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette for a bright contrast.
Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread on the side for an extra layer of comfort. The crispy texture complements the creamy mac bake beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful and healthy side that balances out the richness of the dish.
Pickled Vegetables: A serving of tangy pickled vegetables can bring a delightful crunch and acidity that cuts through the cheesy richness of the bake.
Hot Sauce or Sriracha: Set out some bottles of hot sauce or Sriracha for those who love a kick. A drizzle over the mac bake adds an extra dimension of flavor.
Fried Onions or Crispy Leeks: Sprinkle crispy fried onions or leeks on top of each serving for added texture and a savory crunch.
Herb Garnish: Finish each plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Wine Pairing: For an adult twist, pair your mac bake with a nice glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which can complement the creamy flavors.
Family Style Serving: Instead of plating individually, serve it family-style in a large baking dish for a cozy, communal dining experience.

With these suggestions, your Cozy Cheesy Comfort Mac Bake will not only be delightful on its own but will become part of a truly comforting meal. Enjoy!

Conclusion

In a world where comfort food reigns supreme, the Cozy Cheesy Comfort Mac Bake stands out as an ultimate indulgence. This dish brings together the creamy goodness of a traditional mac and cheese but elevates it to new heights with layers of flavor and texture. From the rich, savory cheese sauce to the satisfying crunch of the breadcrumb topping, each bite is a warm hug on a chilly day.

Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table with family or treating yourself to a comforting meal after a long day, this mac bake is sure to please. It’s easily customizable, so feel free to throw in some veggies or protein to make it your own. Serve it as a side dish or a hearty main, and watch as it disappears in no time.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that not only warms your belly but also your heart. Happy cooking!