This recipe takes the classic mac and cheese and turns it into a glamorous baked dish, inspired by the Kardashian flair for the dramatic. I love how it combines rich, creamy cheese with a crispy topping that’s satisfying in every bite. It’s perfect for when you want comfort food with a touch of style, whether for a family dinner or a special treat.
Why this baked mac keeps calling me back
It’s the perfect blend of crispy and creamy, comfort and sophistication. The smell of melted cheese and toasted breadcrumbs makes the kitchen feel alive. I keep returning to it because it’s easy to tweak—spicy, smoky, extra cheesy—it always adapts to my mood. Plus, it’s a dish I can make ahead, then bake when needed, saving me stress and satisfying cravings.
Breaking down the star ingredients
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and gooey, it forms the backbone of the sauce. Swap for Monterey Jack for milder, meltier results.
- Gruyère: Adds a nutty, smoky depth. Skip if you prefer a more straightforward cheddar.
- Blue cheese: A splash for complexity, oozy and pungent. Omit if you dislike strong flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that contrasts the creamy inside. Use panko for extra crunch.
- Butter: Rich and fragrant, it helps thicken the sauce. Olive oil can be a lighter substitute.
- Milk or cream: Creamy base for the cheese sauce. Skim milk keeps it lighter, but full-fat gives richness.
- Pasta: Choose shapes like elbows or cavatappi. Whole wheat adds fiber, though not as traditional.
Tools of the trade for a perfect baked pasta
- Large pot: Boil the pasta evenly and quickly.
- Saucepan: Create a smooth cheese sauce from scratch.
- Baking dish: Bake the pasta until golden and bubbly.
- Whisk: Prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Grater: Shred cheese fresh for maximum melt and flavor.
Simple steps for a luscious, crispy-topped baked pasta
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and set aside, keeping a cup of pasta water.
Step 4: Make the cheese sauce: melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, whisk for 1 minute.
Step 5: Gradually stir in milk, cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, a splash of blue cheese for depth).
Step 7: Mix the pasta into the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 8: Pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs.
Step 9: Bake until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes.
Glamorous Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, keeping a cup of pasta water.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, listening for it to sizzle and smell nutty.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute until the mixture turns slightly golden and thickens.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and blue cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. This creates a rich, cheesy sauce with depth.
- Stir in the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta into a buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top of the pasta for a crispy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then serve hot to enjoy the creamy interior with a crunchy topping.
Watch these key moments for perfect Kardashian Mac & Cheese
- Pasta should be just shy of fully cooked; it will finish baking in the oven.
- Cheese sauce must be smooth and velvety, not grainy or too thick.
- The top should turn a deep golden-brown, with crispy edges forming.
- Ensure the cheese is melted thoroughly and bubbling around the edges.
Common pitfalls and how to fix them
- Cheese sauce is lumpy.? Add more cheese or milk if the sauce is too thick and grainy.
- Burnt cheese topping.? Reduce baking time if the top browns too quickly.
- Pasta sticking together.? Stir pasta into sauce quickly to prevent sticking.
- Over-browned topping.? Use a lower oven temperature if cheese turns dark too fast.
This dish is my go-to when I want something rich but with a bit of flair. The crispy edges and gooey center make every bite worth the effort. Feel free to customize with herbs or spicy pepper flakes—make it your own. Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to settle, then dive in and enjoy the cheesy chaos.
I’m Mayank, the creator, cook, and writer behind this blog. FeastChase is not just a collection of recipes — it’s a journey through tastes, memories, and moments that bring people together at the table.