My grandchildren love baked macaroni and cheese, so I try to make it for them once or twice a month when they’re visiting my home. To keep things interesting, I’m always trying out new baked Mac & Cheese recipes, I stick to the classic with just a little bit of a twist here and there. Last week I made this specific recipe and it was a big hit with the entire family. It’s really cheesy, so if you love a good Mac & Cheese with a lot of cheese, this recipe is for you!
Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
8 oz. Gruyere cheese, grated (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
6 oz. cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground chili powder
1/2 tsp. mustard powder
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 box elbow macaroni, slightly under-cooked, water drained
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. We like to bake our macaroni and cheese in an 9″ by 13″ baking dish.
In a saucepan melt the butter and then whisk in the all-purpose flour. Add the milk and simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, slowly add the grated cheese, stirring well. Then add the salt, pepper, chili powder, mustard powder and garlic powder. Stir well.
Add the under-cooked macaroni into your prepared sauce, stirring to combine. Pour all of it into your prepared baking dish. Place into the oven at 350 degrees F and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Remove and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Place back into the oven for 3-5 minutes or until all of the cheese has melted. Remove and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
My grandchildren like it served plain, but my husband and mother like it served alongside some stewed tomatoes. This macaroni & cheese is also one that tastes really good reheated the next day for lunch!
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I do love a lot of cheese and gruyere and cheddar are my favorites. I know that this recipe would be a great hit in my house.
My goodness this sounds so good and perfect for the season. I think I am going to make this one thank you for sharing. I know the whole family will love this one and there will be zero left overs.
A favorite of my grandkids also. I am encouraging them to try varieties that have a bit more flavor and spice so this might be one to try. I know I would like it.
Mac n cheese just might be the ultimate comfort food as far as I’m concerned. I love the baked kind, and I’m a fan of that corner piece, lol.
This recipe sounds so similar to mine. I love that you added garlic powder as that is something I haven’t tried and I bet it would add a delicious taste. There is just something magical about back macaroni and cheese!
We have always love mac and cheese. It is so special when we take time to make the baked version. Thank you for the reminder. We will have it again soon.
This truly is one of my all time favorites. It is comfort food. I remember my Mom making it and she would make the ‘fancier’ kinds after Holidays – mixed with ham chinks. It was always so good on a cold day.
Macaroni & cheese is my grandsons favorite. He’s a picky eater so we end up aiming it a lot.I think he might go for this variation. I know I will!