Baked Mac and Cheese for a Crowd is the ultimate comfort food solution for large gatherings, holiday dinners, or potluck celebrations. This recipe transforms simple pasta and a rich, velvety cheese sauce into a massive, crowd-pleasing feast that ensures no one leaves the table hungry.

What sets this version apart is the sophisticated blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere, creating a complex flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults. The dish is baked until the cheese is bubbling and the top develops a beautiful, golden-brown crust, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy, tender noodles underneath.

Key Ingredients

• 2 pounds elbow macaroni pasta
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 4 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large 4-quart baking dish or a 12×20 inch hotel pan.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, 4 cups of cheddar, and 2 cups of Gruyere until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss gently until every noodle is thoroughly coated.
7. Pour half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 2 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyere.
8. Top with the remaining macaroni mixture and sprinkle the final 2 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyere evenly over the surface.
9. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

This Baked Mac and Cheese for a Crowd is the ultimate solution for your next big gathering, offering a rich and velvety texture that simply can’t be matched by a boxed mix. By using a blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere, you create a complex flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The contrast between the creamy, cheese-laden noodles and the bubbly, golden-brown crust ensures that every scoop is a perfect balance of textures.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability, making it a stress-free addition to any potluck, holiday dinner, or celebration. Preparing the cheese sauce from scratch and slightly undercooking the pasta ensures that the dish stays moist and tender even after baking. Whether served as a hearty side or a comforting main course, this classic soul food staple is guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear from the table, leaving your guests asking for the recipe.