This is a classic baked macaroni and cheese which resembles the Pizza Hut style classic baked mac. I’ve modified the classic recipe to imitate the delicious baked mac of Pizza Hut by adding mozzarella cheese with the cheddar cheese.
I think the oozing mozzarella cheese with the milky sauce captured my taste buds that is why I love their baked mac. You can also add ham or bacon slices to make the dish even more tastier. This is perfect for the Holiday season either for the Noche Buena or New Year’s Eve.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Hut Style
I still remember the first time I tried recreating this baked macaroni and cheese at home. It was after a family gathering when my cousin Liza brought home a takeout tray from Pizza Hut, already half gone but still warm. We reheated it in the oven, and the moment I saw that stretchy cheese pull, I knew I wanted to learn how to make it myself. My uncle Rene laughed and said, if you want it like that, do not be shy with the cheese and always bake it, never just serve it straight from the stove. That small advice stuck with me, and over the years, this recipe became my go-to comfort dish during the holidays.
Why Baked Macaroni Feels So Familiar
Macaroni dishes have always had a place in Filipino celebrations. While this dish is not traditionally Filipino, it found its way into our homes through birthdays, Christmas parties, and handaan after Simbang Gabi. My sister Anna once made a version of baked macaroni and cheese after she worked briefly in Manila, inspired by café food she missed. What makes the Pizza Hut style special is the combination of a creamy sauce and that slightly chewy, golden top. It feels indulgent but familiar, which is probably why many of us associate it with family moments and shared meals.
The Secret Behind Pizza Hut Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese
The heart of this baked macaroni and cheese is the sauce. Using both cheddar and mozzarella makes a big difference. Cheddar gives that sharp, classic flavor, while mozzarella adds the stretchy, oozy texture that reminds you of restaurant-style baked pasta. When my aunt Corazon watched me cook this for the first time, she reminded me to add the cheese gradually. This technique works because cheese melts more smoothly when introduced slowly, preventing it from clumping or turning grainy. It results in a sauce that coats every piece of macaroni evenly.
Cooking the Pasta Just Right for Baked Macaroni
Cooking the macaroni properly is another detail beginners often overlook. Always boil it in salted water and cook it just until tender. Rinsing it briefly with cold water stops the cooking process, which is important since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. My cousin Marco learned this the hard way when his first attempt turned mushy. For baked macaroni and cheese, slightly firm pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce without falling apart.
Why Making a Roux Matters in Baked Macaroni and Cheese
The butter and flour mixture may seem intimidating if you are new to cooking, but it is simpler than it looks. This step creates a roux, which thickens the sauce. Whisking the flour into melted butter and then adding milk gradually prevents lumps. Letting the sauce simmer briefly allows the flour to cook out, so you do not taste it later. This technique works because heat activates the starch in the flour, giving the sauce that creamy, velvety body that defines a good baked macaroni and cheese.
Baking for Flavor and Texture
Baking transforms the dish from simple stovetop pasta into something special. The oven heat helps the flavors meld while creating a lightly crisp top. Sprinkling breadcrumbs adds texture, which contrasts nicely with the creamy interior. My brother Paolo likes adding bits of ham or bacon, especially during Noche Buena. The salty meat balances the richness of the cheese and makes the dish feel more festive. Baking at a steady temperature allows the sauce to bubble gently without drying out.
Serving Baked Macaroni and Cheese for the Holidays
This baked macaroni and cheese has become a regular part of our Christmas and New Year spread. It sits comfortably beside lechon, ham, and other holiday classics. What I love most is how approachable it is. Even beginners can make it successfully, as long as they take their time with the sauce and do not rush the steps. Every time I pull it out of the oven, bubbly and golden, I am reminded of those family moments, borrowed techniques, and shared tips that make home cooking so meaningful.
In the end, this dish is more than just pasta and cheese. It is a reminder that recipes evolve through stories, suggestions, and a little trial and error, passed around the kitchen like family memories.
How to Cook Baked Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Hut Style
Ingredients
- 450 grams package macaroni
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs buttered
Instructions
How to cook Baked Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Hut Style:
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until cooked then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper. Stir until well blended using a whisk.
- Then pour milk gradually stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
- Then add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese little by little and simmer until the cheese melts.
- Turn off heat then add the macaroni and toss until well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the macaroni with the cheese sauce in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Use the Right Cheese Combination
Always combine a flavorful cheese like cheddar with a good melting cheese such as mozzarella. This balance gives baked macaroni and cheese both a rich taste and that stretchy, restaurant-style texture. Using only one type of cheese can make the dish either too sharp or too bland.Do Not Overcook the Pasta
Cook the macaroni just until tender and slightly firm to the bite. The pasta continues to cook while baking, so overboiling will result in a mushy texture. Properly cooked pasta helps baked macaroni and cheese hold its shape and absorb the sauce evenly.Let the Sauce Thicken Before Adding Cheese
Allow the milk mixture to simmer briefly before adding the cheese. This step ensures the sauce is thick enough to coat the macaroni properly. A well-thickened sauce keeps baked macaroni and cheese creamy instead of watery after baking.
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