Mac and cheese casseroles are the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you like yours baked with a crispy top, loaded with bacon, or spiced up with jalapeños, there's a version for every craving. They're easy to pre...
1 pound of elbow macaroni is equal to about **4 cups** of dry pasta. When cooked, it typically yields around **8 cups** of cooked pasta. This amount is perfect for a large mac and cheese casserole that serves about 8-10 people, depending on portion s...
Rotini Elbow Pasta
Using **4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided** means you’ll use it in different stages of the recipe: 1. **3 cups go into the cheese sauce:** This is melted into the sauce for that creamy, gooey texture. 2. **1 cup reserved for topping:**...
Cheddar Sharp Cheese
Adding 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to the casserole gives the mac and cheese an extra gooey, stretchy texture. Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully, adding a creamy layer without overpowering the sharp flavor of the cheddar.
Mozzarella Cheese
Adding 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese gives the mac and cheese a nice sharpness and a slightly nutty flavor that balances out the richness of the cheddar and mozzarella. Parmesan also helps to thicken the sauce a bit, giving it a smooth texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Butter is key in this mac and cheese casserole because it’s the base of the roux (the thickening agent for the cheese sauce).
Salted Butter
The 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour in this mac and cheese casserole acts as the thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
All Purpose Flour
Milk is essential in the mac and cheese casserole because it forms the base of the creamy sauce. You’ll need 3 cups of milk for this recipe.
Whole Milk
Adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream takes this mac and cheese casserole to a whole new level of creaminess and richness.
Heavy Cream
Salt is a simple yet essential ingredient in mac and cheese, enhancing all the flavors, especially the cheeses.
Iodized Salt
Black pepper adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the mac and cheese, balancing the richness of the cheese.
Black Pepper
Garlic powder adds a subtle, savory depth to the mac and cheese, enhancing the overall flavor without being overpowering.
Garlic Powder
Mustard powder is a secret ingredient in many mac and cheese recipes because it adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the cheese flavor without tasting like mustard.
Ground Mustard Powder
I’m hooked on RITZ Toasted Chips—they’re super crunchy, perfectly salty, and totally addictive. They taste way better than regular chips. You’ve got to try them!
RITZ Toasted Chips
Discover the most amazing collection of stress-free dinner casseroles that will please every palate! You know how hectic our evenings can get, so these recipes are perfect—they're super easy and absolutely delicious.
