This Kardashian-inspired mac & cheese is a playful twist on the classic baked pasta. It’s all about that cheesy, bubbly top with a crunchy edge that makes you forget about any diet. I love how it’s both indulgent and a little rebellious, perfect for lazy weekends or casual gatherings.
Why I keep coming back to this cheesy mess
It’s quick to throw together, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. The crispy top and gooey center make it hard to resist. Plus, it’s a dish that remembers childhood but feels fresh every time I bake it.
Inside the cheesy bowl: ingredients that make it pop
- Cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its tang and melt.: Gives the dish that classic cheesy punch, melts smooth, and has a slight tang.
- Pasta: Use sturdy shapes like elbows or shells.: They hold sauce well and add to the nostalgic feel.
- Breadcrumbs: Toasted for crunch, preferably panko.: Adds crispy topping that contrasts with creamy pasta.
- Butter: Rich, unadulterated butter.: Base for roux, adds richness and flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk for creaminess.: Creates a smooth, silky cheese sauce.
- Mustard powder: Just a pinch.: Brightens flavors and cuts through richness.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, season generously.: Builds flavor, balances sharpness.
Tools of the cheesy trade
- Large pot: For boiling pasta efficiently.
- Saucepan: To make a creamy cheese sauce.
- Baking dish: To bake the pasta until golden and bubbly.
- Whisk: To smooth out the cheese sauce.
- Spatula: To mix pasta into sauce and serve.
Step-by-step for cheesy, baked perfection
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to keep from sticking.
Step 4: While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step 5: Add flour and stir until smooth, about 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk.
Step 6: Bring to a simmer, then add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
Step 8: Top generously with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for crunch.
Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 10: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to settle the cheese.
Kardashian-Inspired Baked Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and lightly butter your baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes, with a gentle bubbling sound.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mustard powder to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce using a spatula until evenly coated. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toast the panko breadcrumbs until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the pasta.
- Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese sauce settle and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, spooning out generous portions with a crispy top and gooey center—perfect for savoring every cheesy bite.
Cooking checkpoints & tips to get it just right
- Cheese should be melted and smooth, not clumpy or greasy.
- Breadcrumbs should be golden and crisp, not soggy or burnt.
- Pasta should be just tender, not mushy—test a piece before draining.
Common pitfalls and how to dodge them
- Cheese turns greasy or separates.? Use high-quality cheese for flavor and meltability.
- Breadcrumbs turn black and bitter.? Keep an eye on the oven; breadcrumbs burn quick.
- Overcooked, mushy pasta ruins the texture.? Cook pasta just until al dente, it will finish baking.
- Sauce develops a film or burns on bottom.? Stir cheese sauce continuously to prevent burning.
This dish is a messy, cheesy thrill that’s perfect for when you want something satisfying without fuss. It’s flexible—add leftover meats, swap cheeses, or toss in some greens for color. Keep it simple or go wild—either way, it’s about enjoying the process and the gooey, crispy results.
Hi, I’m Katie Dawson, a paediatric speech-language pathologist by day and a passionate food storyteller by night. Based in Seattle but with a love for global flavours (and a soft spot for Indian chai), I created this blog to bridge the gap between therapeutic nutrition and the simple joy of eating.
