Cozy Fall Baked Mac and Cheese

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Cozy Fall Baked Mac and Cheese

Warm, cheesy, and comforting, this Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish for crisp fall evenings. Creamy, velvety cheese coats every bite of tender pasta, while a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. It’s simple to make but full of flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or holiday meals.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound (450 g) elbow macaroni or any short pasta of your choice
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 cups milk (2% works well)
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth and depth)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (about 7–10 minutes). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking.
  3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Dish

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and fragrant.
  3. Gradually pour in the warm half-and-half and milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  4. Cook for 2–3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Gruyere and cheddar, one handful at a time, until fully melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
  2. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, chopped parsley, and melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly around the edges.
  2. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Fall Mac and Cheese

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest sauce — pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta in the boiling water — it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that enhances the fall flavors of the cheese.
  • Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Optional: For extra fall flavor, add cooked butternut squash cubes, roasted pumpkin, or caramelized onions to the pasta before baking.

 

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