Kardashian Mac & Cheese Baked Pasta Recipe

This Kardashian Mac & Cheese Baked Pasta isn’t just about the cheese or the crispy topping. It’s about making something that feels indulgent yet approachable, a dish that’s perfect for both a cozy night in and a laid-back dinner party. It’s a reminder that comfort food can still have a bit of flair, even on a busy weeknight.

Why I keep coming back to this Mac & Cheese

It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser with a touch of luxury. The crispy top and gooey center are addictive. It’s the perfect way to indulge without feeling guilty, especially when topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce. Every time, it reminds me that simple ingredients can transform into something special.

Breaking down the ingredients and their magic

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, gives that irresistible cheesy pull. Swap for Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
• Pasta (elbow macaroni): Classic shape, holds sauce well. Use gluten-free if needed, but cook a little less if so.
• Butter: Rich and creamy, helps make the sauce silky. Olive oil works in a pinch.
• Flour: Creates the roux for thickening. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty note.
• Milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Full-fat for richness, skim if you want lighter.
• Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping, optional but recommended. Panko gives a crunch.
• Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance flavors. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky depth.

Tools of the trade for a perfect bake

• Large pot: Boil the pasta and make the cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Stir the sauce to keep it smooth and prevent lumps.
• Baking dish: Hold the assembled pasta bake in the oven.
• Oven mitts: Safely handle hot dishes.
• Grater: Shred cheese fresh for maximum melt.

Step-by-step: Crafting Kardashian Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Drain pasta and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Step 4: Add flour, whisk for 1 minute, then gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted.

Step 6: Combine pasta with cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.

Step 7: Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Kardashian Mac & Cheese Baked Pasta

This baked pasta dish features a creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, combined with al dente elbow macaroni, then topped with crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese. The dish is baked until bubbling and golden, offering a rich, gooey interior with a crunchy topping, perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni cooked until al dente
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter plus extra for greasing
• 2 tablespoons flour whole wheat optional
• 1.5 cups milk full-fat recommended
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs Panko for crunch
• to taste salt & pepper adjust seasoning as needed

Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Baking Dish
• Oven mitts
• Grater

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam and smell nutty.
4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute, creating a smooth roux.
5. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns creamy, then stir in most of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika if desired.
8. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
9. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then evenly distribute the breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
12. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy perfection!

Cooking checkpoints and tips to get it just right

• Cheese sauce should coat the pasta smoothly without being too thick or runny.
• Breadcrumb topping should be golden and slightly crispy, not burnt.
• Pasta should be just tender, not mushy, to hold up in baking.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Cheese sauce is grainy.? Use a finer grater to avoid clumps in the cheese sauce.
• The sauce is too thick or lumpy.? Add milk gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Breadcrumbs are burnt.? Bake until the top is just golden, not burnt.
• Pasta turns mushy after baking.? Ensure pasta is al dente; it will cook more in the oven.

This dish is all about that crispy, cheesy top with a creamy, gooey center. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels fancy enough to serve for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses or add a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in — that’s when the magic really happens.

Olivia

Hi, I’m Olivia Chen-Williams, a professional chef, cooking instructor, and the founder of Turn Around At 50. For nearly three decades, my life has revolved around kitchens. Not the quiet, romantic kind, but the real ones. Hot, loud, demanding, and deeply alive.