If you’ve been craving the comforting warmth of mac and cheese but want to switch things up a bit, look no further than this irresistible Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s where the classic creaminess of traditional mac and cheese meets tender, perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, creating a dish that feels both familiar and wonderfully fresh. Blended with a dreamy mix of fontina, sharp cheddar, and Gruyere, plus a touch of spice, this recipe delivers rich layers of flavor and ooey-gooey texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dish. Each one has a role in building the creamy, cheesy sauce or enhancing the pasta’s texture and flavor, making your meal truly unforgettable.
- Spaghetti noodles (16 oz): The base of the dish, offering a long, silky texture that soaks up the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Fontina cheese (2 cups, grated): Adds mild nuttiness and melts into a smooth, velvety texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Brings in a classic tangy punch and richness.
- Gruyere or Swiss cheese (2 cups, shredded): Infuses a sweet, slightly salty depth with superb melting qualities.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Creates a luscious base for the sauce, balancing richness.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- Milk (2½ cups): Lightens the sauce and keeps it smooth.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Adds extra decadence and silkiness.
- Dry mustard (2 tsp): A subtle kick that brightens the cheese flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Grounds the flavor in mild sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp): Brings a gentle warmth to the dish, balancing richness.
How to Make Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF, then coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick and will bake evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a lively boil over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the luscious cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk vigorously to combine. Let this cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and to develop a light, nutty flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to blend perfectly with the roux. Add dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to infuse layers of flavor. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a silky, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Pasta
Stir in three-quarters of the grated cheese, letting it melt completely into the sauce. Once smooth and cheesy, fold in the cooked spaghetti noodles, coating every strand in that rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the cheesy pasta gently into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, setting the stage for a bubbling, golden crust after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese sauce bubbles with excitement. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley on top gives this Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness against the rich cheese backdrop. You can also sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for a little extra pop.
Side Dishes
This hearty, creamy dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even steamed broccoli. The freshness of greens balances the richness in the spaghetti mac and cheese, creating a well-rounded meal that feels comforting without being too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or bake the Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for extra texture. You might even swirl in some cooked bacon or caramelized onions to elevate the dish into something spectacular and unique.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors will meld even more, making your next serving just as delicious.
Freezing
This Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and label them clearly. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, or cover and microwave in intervals to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta types instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti gives this dish its signature twist, you can swap in elbow macaroni, penne, or even shells depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is perfectly al dente.
What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?
If Gruyere isn’t available, Swiss cheese is a great substitute with a similar melt and mild flavor. You can also experiment with fontina or mozzarella for different textures and tastes.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, you can create a gluten-free version of this Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe without compromising on creaminess.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds just a gentle warmth that enhances the cheese flavors without overwhelming the dish. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit it altogether.
Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?
You can definitely make the cheese sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for a day. Before combining with pasta and baking, warm it gently while stirring to restore its smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe is a joyful celebration of comfort food with a delightful twist. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to indulge in something creamy, cheesy, and comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same warm satisfaction that this dish brings to my table time and time again.
Print
Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and indulgent Spaghetti Mac and Cheese combines tender spaghetti noodles with a rich blend of fontina, sharp cheddar, and Gruyere cheeses in a velvety sauce. Enhanced with a hint of dry mustard, garlic, and cayenne pepper for subtle depth, it’s baked to golden perfection, making it a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package spaghetti noodles
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups grated fontina cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese
Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the mac and cheese from sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Make Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to combine. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Stir in the dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
- Melt Cheese and Combine: Add three-quarters of the grated cheeses (fontina, cheddar, and Gruyere/Swiss) into the sauce. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the cheese sauce and toss well to coat every strand evenly.
- Assemble: Transfer the cheesy spaghetti into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbling hot. Once done, optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly but do so cautiously.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
