If you have ever dreamed of a comfort food that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, with just the right amount of crispy pancetta—then you are in for a treat. This World’s Best Mac and Cheese Recipe brings together the perfect balance of rich Jarlsberg and Monterey Jack cheeses, tender penne pasta, and savory pancetta crowned with a golden baked topping. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it a guaranteed winner for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this dish relies on a handful of straightforward but powerful ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its part: the cheesy blend gives the recipe its signature creaminess, pancetta provides a crunchy, salty punch, and the subtle spices tie everything together beautifully.
- 6 oz penne pasta: The tubular shape holds onto the luscious cheese sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 8 oz diced pancetta: Adds a savory crispness that elevates the mac and cheese beyond ordinary.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Creates the silky base for the creamy cheese sauce.
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce into the ideal cheesy consistency.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Gives richness and smoothness to the sauce, ensuring it isn’t too heavy.
- 2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, grated, divided: The star cheese with a mild, nutty flavor that melts wonderfully.
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated, divided: Complements Jarlsberg with extra creaminess and meltability.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ tsp chili powder, divided: Adds a subtle warmth and depth, perfectly balancing the cheese’s richness.
- â…› tsp garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlicky undertone for added savory flavor.
How to Make World’s Best Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pancetta
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish; this will be your mac and cheese’s cozy home for baking. Next, cook the diced pancetta in a small skillet until it becomes slightly crispy and browned. This process develops its intense savory flavor and perfect crunch. Once done, drain the excess fat and set the pancetta aside — this little touch makes all the difference.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cooking this mixture for about two minutes eliminates any raw flour taste. Slowly add the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow this to cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy, velvety texture—about 10 minutes. Then, remove the pan from heat and stir in most of the grated Jarlsberg and Monterey Jack cheeses along with salt, garlic powder, and half of the chili powder. This is where the magic of the sauce develops: smooth, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Mix the cooked penne pasta, crispy pancetta, and cheese sauce until every piece is generously coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. For the crowning touch, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top along with a dash more of chili powder for a subtle kick and gorgeous golden color. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the top to turn irresistibly bubbly and lightly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the texture and maximize creaminess.
How to Serve World’s Best Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
While this mac and cheese is outstanding as is, you can sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal notes. For a little extra crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers make delightful toppings that contrast the creamy inside wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlicky sautéed greens. A tangy coleslaw or pickled veggies can also cut through the richness, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or family, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, layering it in a large casserole dish makes it perfect for potlucks and gatherings. For a twist, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the cheese sauce for new flavor dimensions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and deepen, making it just as delicious if not more so the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Label and freeze for a quick comfort meal later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For faster reheating, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even warmth and to maintain creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great for holding the sauce, elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi also do wonderfully, ensuring every bite is coated.
What if I don’t have Jarlsberg cheese?
Gruyère or Emmental cheeses are excellent substitutes with a similar nutty flavor and melting properties essential for the sauce’s creamy texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the pancetta or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika to add flavor and texture without the meat.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While you can, the texture might be less rich and creamy. Whole milk gives the sauce its perfect luxurious consistency, but 2% milk can work in a pinch.
How spicy is the chili powder in this recipe?
The chili powder adds just a gentle warmth that enhances the cheese flavor without making it spicy. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit it entirely.
Final Thoughts
Making the World’s Best Mac and Cheese Recipe at home guarantees a creamy, cheesy, and satisfyingly crispy dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this comforting classic is bound to bring smiles and warm happy memories to your table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your mac and cheese game will never be the same!
Print
World’s Best Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful World’s Best Mac and Cheese recipe features penne pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce made from Jarlsberg and Monterey Jack cheeses, enhanced with crispy pancetta and subtle spices. Baked to perfection with a golden bubbly cheese topping, it’s a comforting dish perfect for a family meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 6 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
Meat
- 8 oz diced pancetta
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, grated, divided
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated, divided
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder, divided
- â…› tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook Pancetta: In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until it becomes slightly crispy. Once done, drain the excess fat and set the pancetta aside to be added to the mac and cheese later.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, which should take around 10 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in 1¾ cups of the grated Jarlsberg cheese, ¼ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, salt, ¼ tsp chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Assemble: Add the cooked penne pasta and crispy pancetta to the cheese sauce and stir until they are well coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Jarlsberg cheese and ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese on top. Then, sprinkle the remaining ¼ tsp chili powder over the cheese for a slight kick.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding smoked paprika instead of chili powder.
- You can substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is unavailable.
- Using a combination of Jarlsberg and Monterey Jack cheeses creates a creamy yet flavorful sauce — feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar.
- Make sure to drain the pancetta well to avoid excess grease in the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
