Baked Mac and Cheese Freezer Meal Recipe
Baked to perfection, this Mac and Cheese Freezer Meal Recipe is just....that...good! With the ease of being a make-ahead recipe, there isn't anything much better than this!
A Mac and Cheese that tastes delicious, without all the fuss, this creamy, cheesy Mac and Cheese is baked to perfection! This is the ultimate comfort food, and takes everything you love and elevates it with a breadcrumb topping and perfectly blended cheese sauce. Whether you are serving for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe is a guartented pleaser.
The Freezer Hack you Need in your Life!
The best part? This recipe is a make-ahead meal that you can prepare in advance and freeze for later. Having a freezer meal like this ready to go means you can enjoy homemade comfort food without the hassle of cooking from scratch. Just heat it up when you need it, and you’ve got a satisfying, homemade meal with absolutely zero stress.
Why You’ll Love This Make ahead Mac and Cheese recipe!
- Minimal effort – Just pop it in the oven and let it do the work!
- Less cleanup – No need to dirty multiple pots and pans every night.
- Comfort food at its best – Warm, creamy, and satisfying for the whole family.
- Pairs with anything – Serve with veggies, salad, or protein for a balanced meal.
- Stretchable meal – Add veggies or protein to make it go even further.
- Perfect for meal trains – Great for bringing to new moms or friends in need.
- Works for any occasion – Easy weeknight meal, potluck dish, or holiday side.
Equipment Needed To Make Easy Freezer-friendly Mac and Cheese recipe
- 9×13 Pan/Dish with lid
- Large Deep Skillet
Ingredients For Your Baked Mac and Cheese!
- 16 oz box elbow macaroni
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- ½ tbsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- 4 cups milk
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups colby jack cheese, shredded
Baked Mac and Cheese Freezer Meal Recipe
Baked to perfection, this Mac and Cheese Freezer Meal Recipe is just….that…good! With the ease of being a make-ahead recipe, there isn't anything much better than this!
Equipment
- 1 9×13 Pan/Dish with lid
- 1 Large Deep Skillet
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 4 cups Milk
- 4 cups Sharp cheddar cheese Shredded
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese Shredded
Get Recipe IngredientsInstructions
Prep | Directions
- Prepare a 9×13 Pan/Dish, labeling according to your preferred label method.
- Cook elbow macaroni to al dente according to package. Shred cheese and set aside.
- While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large deep skillet on stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking in the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika once butter has melted. Cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, until mixture starts to bubble, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 4 cups of milk, whisking constantly while adding the milk, and then place back over medium-low heat. Heat milk to boil stirring constantly (this process may take longer than expected depending on stove heat and kind of milk but will be so worth it in the end, even if you think the mixture won't thicken it will.)
- Once boiling, stir for one minute then stir in shredded cheese, until all cheese is melted.
- Drain macaroni, and gently stir into cheese sauce. Pour everything into an aluminum tray and let it cool.
- Once cool, cover with lid and freeze for up to 3 months.
Oven | Cooking Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Remove mac and cheese from freezer and place in preheated oven* covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes. (If you labeled the casserole freezer meal ensure label aluminum foil placed in oven does not have a label attached)
- Uncover and cook an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
*If using a glass casserole dish, either allow the meal to thaw on the counter for one hour before cooking or put the meal in the oven when you turn it on to preheat. Putting a cold glass casserole dish into a hot oven will result in broken glass. Also, be sure to cover the casserole dish (foil or glass) with foil before cooking
Nutrition
Calories: 992.3kcalCarbohydrates: 74.8gProtein: 43.9gFat: 58.8g
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How To Make A Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep Directions:
- Prepare a 9×13 Pan/Dish, labeling according to your preferred label method.
- Cook elbow macaroni to al dente according to package. Shred cheese and set aside.
- While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in large deep skillet on stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking in the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika once butter has melted. Cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, until mixture starts to bubble, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 4 cups of milk, whisking constantly while adding the milk, and then place back over medium-low heat. Heat milk to boil stirring constantly (this process may take longer than expected depending on stove heat and kind of milk but will be so worth it in the end, even if you think the mixture wont thicken it will.)
- Once boiling, stir for one minute then stir in shredded cheese, until all cheese is melted.
- Drain macaroni, and gently stir into cheese sauce. Pour everything into aluminum tray and allow to cool.
- Once cool, cover with lid and freeze for up to 3 months.
Oven | Cooking Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Remove mac and cheese from freezer and place in preheated oven* covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes. (If you labeled the casserole freezer meal ensure label aluminum foil placed in oven does not have a label attached)
- Uncover and cook an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What to Pair with You Family-Friendly Freezer Mac and Cheese!
Sides:
- Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic
- Garlic Bread
- Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Desserts:
- Apple Galette
- Lemon Sorbet
- Strawberry-Basil Pavlova
Mocktails:
- Cucumber Mint Cooler
- Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider
- Virgin Mojito
Popular Substitutions & Additions
Substitutions:
- Pasta Swap: Replace elbow macaroni with cavatappi or penne for a heartier bite that holds up well to freezing and reheating.
- Cheese Variation: Swap colby jack cheese for gruyère or mozzarella to add a creamy, melty texture.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace milk with unsweetened oat milk and use plant-based butter and cheese for a freezer-friendly dairy-free version.
Additions:
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken before baking for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
- Veggie Mix-In: Add steamed and chopped broccoli or roasted cauliflower to sneak in extra veggies while keeping it freezer-friendly.
- Crunchy Topping: Before baking, top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and parmesan for a crispy, golden finish that freezes and bakes well.
Best Way To Store Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Leftover?
To keep your leftover Baked Mac and cheese fresh and tasty, make sure to follow proper storage protocols. It is best to allow the Mac and Cheese to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This will prevent condensation and soggy noodles. Store in airtight containers, or tightly covered plastic wrap to help prevent drying out.
How Long Will Baked Mac and Cheese Last In the Fridge?
As you have followers proper storing practices, your Baked Mac and Cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for three to five days. If you are looking for longer storage, the freezer can work for up to three months when stored in freezer-safe containers.
Can I Freeze Comfort Food Freezer Mac and Cheese?
Yes, Freezing works well with Baked Mac and Cheese. Make sure to cool completely before freezing. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap for extra protection and then freeze. Label for easy tracking.
How To Reheat Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumb topping?
When you are ready to reheat, using the oven is the best method to retain flavor and texture.
- Oven Method: Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Bake for 40-45 minutes if frozen.
- Stovetop method: If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight. Reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently with a little added milk to restore the creaminess.
- Microwave Method: The fastest method of reheating, but also the most likely to change flavor and texture. Reheat in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
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Your Questions Answered
Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.
Can I freeze Baked Mac and Cheese before baking, or should I bake it first?
Yes!!!You can freeze Mac and Cheese before and after baking, depending on your preference! If you decide to freeze before baking, the pasta will absorb some of the sauce, making it extra creamy when you go to cook. Put together your mac and cheese in a freezer-sage dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months.
If you prefer to freeze after baking, let it cool completely before freezing, then store in the same way as you would above.
What’s the best way to prevent freezer burn when storing mac and cheese?
Freezer burn can affect the texture and flavor of freezer meals. To avoid this, proper techniques will help to keep your creamy baked mac and cheese fresh. Most importantly, you need to allow your dish to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe, air tight container, removing as much air as possible. When properly stored, your Mac and Cheese will taste just as delicious as the day you made it!
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes! Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for a baked mac and cheese, other sturdy pasta shapes work just as well and help up even better when frozen. Different options include Cavatappi, penne, rigatoni, and shell pasta are also excellent alternatives because of the ridged edges and curves that help trap the creamy cheese sauce. For a gluten-free alternative option, consider a pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.
What cheeses work best if I don’t have sharp cheddar or colby jack?
Sharp Cheddar and Colby are great choices, but there are plenty of other cheese options if you want to switch it up. Gruyère, gouda, mozzarella, Monetary Jack, and Fontina are all great options, as they melt beautifully and create a rich, creamy sauce. For added flavor and flare, add some Parmesan or cream cheese to the mix. If you are looking for a dairy free cheese, consider Violife or Daiya cheeses, or blend cashews with nutritional yeast and a touch of garlic powder for a homemade creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? What substitutions should I use?
Yes! You can make a dairy-free Baked Mac and Cheese with a few simple swaps. Swap out regular butter by using a plant-based butter or olive oil. Switch out the milk for unsweetened oat, almond, or coconut milk. With your cheese option, go for a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative like Violife or Daiya. You could also make a homemade creamy sauce by blending together cashews with nutritional yeast and garlic powder for a creamy sauce. These swaps will make for a delicious freezer-friendly dairy-free Mac and Cheese.
Can I add protein, like chicken or bacon, to this freezer meal? How would that affect freezing and reheating?
Yes! Adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or ground tuckry to your baked Mac and Cheese makes it even heartier of a dish. To ensure the best texture, cook and fully cool the protein before mixing it in. Freezing and reheating remain the same, just be sure to reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until evenly heated through. Adding protein turns this easy freezer mac and cheese into a complete meal with very little effort.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen Baked Mac and Cheese so it stays creamy?
The best way to reheat frozen mac and cheese while keeping it creamy is to bake it in the oven at 350°F for 40-45 minutes if frozen, or 15-25 minutes if thawed overnight in the fridge. If reheating in smaller potions, the stovetop works well! Just make sure to add a splash of milk and warm over low heat, making sure to stir frequently. Microwave is the fasted method, but also tends to dry out the most, so be sure to heat in short intervals and stir between each interval.
Can I add a crunchy topping before freezing, or should I add it right before baking?
For the best texture on your Baked Mac and Cheee, add the crunchy topping right before baking instead of before freezing. If you freeze Mac and cheese with the topping already on, the topping will likely absorb moisture and lose its crunch during the freezing, thawing, and heating process. If you prefer to freeze everything together, you can freeze the topping separately in a small bag, and then sprinkle it on before the baking process.
If you like this recipe here are some other Comfort Food recipes you’re sure to love:
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders Freezer Recipe
- Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce Whole 30 Freezer Recipe
- Brisket Freezer Recipe
- Ground Beef Tacos Freezer Recipe
- Homestyle Beef Stew Freezer Recipe
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Baked Mac and Cheese recipe turned out!! I really want to know.
And if you have ANY QUESTIONS comment here, I’m happy to help.
