Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Written by Pam Published on March 25, 2019

When you think of comfort food it doesn’t get any better than a classic baked macaroni and cheese. It was one of my favorite dishes as a child. It didn’t matter if it was boxed or homemade. I was always happy to see it on our table. Over the years, I became pickier. I decided I liked my macaroni and cheese made “with love.” That’s the term my kids came up with when they didn’t want a packaged food version of something, but wanted me to make them the “from scratch” version. “Come on, Mom,” they would plead, “if it isn’t homemade it isn’t made with love.” Even though both of my kids are now in their early twenties, both of them still use this excuse when they want me to make them something special.

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Recently, when visiting my aunt, she shared her collection of family recipes passed around to members of our family. I was thrilled to find these, as most of my mom’s collection had disappeared after she died. Whenever I remember a family recipe I want to make, I have to text a cousin and ask if they will share. Imagine my delight when I found our family’s classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe. It’s made with a creamy white sauce and then baked to perfection.

As usual, even though I thought it tasted exactly as I remembered it, I made some adjustments. First, I tried it with gluten-free macaroni and it turned out great. Then, I switched the mustard variety and added different cheeses instead of just the classic cheddar. It was pronounced a success by the entire family. The kids (and my son-in-law and granddaughter) even ate the leftovers straight from the fridge the next day. I’d recommend warming the leftovers but to each their own.

If you’re wondering how to make this veritable feast of deliciousness, here’s the recipe.

Printable Recipe

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Recipe Type: side dish

A delicious macaroni and cheese recipe that is made with three types of cheese.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup gouda cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
8 ounces uncooked macaroni

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat when melted.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
Add the flour mixture to the butter, stirring until blended.
Gradually stir in the milk, stirring until blended.
Return the saucepan to low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and smooth.
Remove from heat and add the cheddar and gouda cheese. Stir the mixture until blended.
In a saucepan, cook macaroni as directed on package. Drain.
Mix cheese sauce into drained macaroni.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9″ by 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
Add the macaroni mixture to the baking dish. Cover with foil.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture.
Return to the oven for 2-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Cooking Tips:

*To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and gluten-free all-purpose baking flour.
*If you would like a different twist on the recipe, top it with our easy Italian Herb and Cheese Breadcrumbs.
*If you’d like to make a vegan version of this dish, substitute vegan butter and vegan cheese and use either soy or almond milk.
*If you’d like to make the recipe as it was originally designed, omit the extra cheeses and use one cup of sharp cheddar.