This Kardashian mac & cheese baked pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s a statement. I love how it balances decadence with that homey, familiar feel. The secret? A splash of luxury with the cheese, a crunch that’s just enough, and that oven warmth that makes everything meld together.
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a small celebration—rich, cheesy, a little messy—perfect for when you want comfort with a bit of glam. Plus, it’s forgiving enough to toss in whatever leftovers or extras you have. Basically, it’s your go-to for cozy, over-the-top dinners.
Why I keep coming back to this recipe
It’s simple, indulgent, and endlessly customizable. No matter the mood, I find comfort in its cheesy chaos. Plus, it’s a dish I can make with my eyes closed, and still feel that thrill of pulling something glossy and golden from the oven.
Inside the ingredients—what makes this magic
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto cheesy goodness—use fresh for best texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show—melts into a gooey, smoky blanket over the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami punch—use real Parmesan for depth.
- Butter and flour: Make the roux—creamy, rich, a little nutty when cooked well.
- Milk: The base of your sauce—go for whole milk for richness, or almond milk for a dairy-free vibe.
- Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for crunch—toast lightly before sprinkling.
- Cayenne pepper: A hint of heat—brightens the cheese, keeps things lively.
Tools to get you there
- Large pot: For boiling pasta, making sure it’s cooked evenly.
- Saucepan: To whip up the cheese sauce smoothly.
- Whisk: To prevent lumps and keep the sauce silky.
- Baking dish (20x20cm/8×8 inches): For baking the assembled pasta until golden.
- Grater: To shred cheese freshly for maximum melt and flavor.
Step-by-step for the ultimate Kardashian Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
Step 2: Cook 250g elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water.
Step 4: In a saucepan, melt 50g butter over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp flour, whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Gradually pour in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, ½ cup Parmesan, and a pinch of cayenne. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 8: Transfer to a buttered baking dish, about 20x20cm (8×8 inches).
Step 9: Top with extra cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Step 10: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Kardashian Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and set a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam softly, releasing a rich aroma.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture turns slightly golden and smooths out, creating a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly, making sure to incorporate fully to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and ensure it’s creamy.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top, along with a little extra cheese if desired, to create a crispy topping.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbling around the edges and golden on top, filling your kitchen with a warm, cheesy aroma.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to set slightly and the dish to cool just enough to enjoy that perfect gooey, crunchy contrast.
Cooking checkpoints to get it just right
- Cheese sauce should be smooth, not grainy—if it clumps, lower heat and whisk faster.
- Pasta should be al dente—avoid overcooking to prevent mush in the oven.
- Golden top is key—if not, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Troubleshooting your cheesy masterpiece
- Lumpy cheese sauce? Stir the sauce constantly to avoid lumps, especially when adding cold milk.
- Cheese not melting properly? If cheese isn’t melting smoothly, lower heat and add a splash of warm milk.
- Under-browned top? If top isn’t browning, broil for a minute, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Overcooked pasta? If pasta is mushy, reduce cooking time next round or start with a slightly firmer boil.
This dish is about embracing that cheesy chaos—melty, gooey, with just enough crunch on top. It’s a little extra, yes, but that’s what makes it special. Feel free to throw in some crispy bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce for your signature touch. Keep a spoon handy and dig in—comfort doesn’t get fancier than this.
I’m Jonny, the cook, writer, and food lover behind this flavorful corner of the internet. Whether it’s a sizzling weeknight stir-fry, a no-bake dessert that saves the day, or a comforting Sunday classic — this blog is where I share recipes that are bold, doable, and made to impress without the stress.
