Back
🧀
ContinentalVeg

Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy three-cheese pasta with golden breadcrumb top.

45 min6 serveseasy

Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic vegetarian Continental recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 6 and comes together in roughly 45 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 45 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on oven-baking, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.

The headline ingredients here are macaroni, butter and flour. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.

Share this recipe

from Cook Max
Gmail Email WhatsApp X / Twitter Facebook

Every share includes a link back to Cook Max so friends can discover more free recipes.

Nutrition · per servingestimated

147

kcal

7g

Protein

9g

Carbs

9g

Fat

vegcomfortbakedkid-friendly

Ingredients

  • macaroni500 g
  • butter4 tbsp
  • flour4 tbsp
  • milk4 cups
  • cheddar300 g
  • gruyere100 g
  • parmesan0.5 cup
  • breadcrumbs0.5 cup
  • mustard powder1 tsp
  • saltstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~11 min

    Cook pasta until just shy of al dente.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~11 min

    Melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add milk till thick.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~11 min

    Off heat, stir in cheddar, gruyere and mustard.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~12 min

    Combine with pasta; top with parmesan and breadcrumbs; bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 45 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Preheat the oven fully, and use the middle rack unless the recipe says otherwise — that is where the heat is most even.
  • Salt the pasta water generously and save a mug of the starchy cooking water before you drain — a splash thickens any sauce beautifully.
  • Do not rush the rise. Yeast doughs taste better and stretch more easily after a long, slow proof.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

You may also like

Browse more Continental recipes or search all recipes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Mac and Cheese take to cook?
From prep to plate, Baked Mac and Cheese takes about 45 minutes and yields 6 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Baked Mac and Cheese vegetarian?
Yes — this version of Baked Mac and Cheese is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
What are the key ingredients in Baked Mac and Cheese?
The headline ingredients are macaroni, butter, flour. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 3 servings or double for 12. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Baked Mac and Cheese?
Baked Mac and Cheese pairs naturally with classic continental sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.