The Creamiest Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Ever

Crafting the perfect homemade baked mac and cheese requires passion and a pinch of culinary magic.

cheese lovers find comfort in this classic dish that warms hearts and satisfies deep cravings.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Rich, golden breadcrumbs add an irresistible crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Grandma’s secret techniques blend seamlessly with modern cooking approaches.

Comfort food meets gourmet delight in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this version and make it your go-to mac and cheese masterpiece.

Ideal Pairings for Baked Mac And Cheese

• Comfort Plate Perfection: Serve this mac and cheese as a hearty main dish with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this bubbling casserole to gatherings, where it'll be the first dish to disappear and earn you major cooking kudos.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Cut into squares and serve as a satisfying side that will keep sports fans happy and well-fed during the big match.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform cold mac and cheese into crispy fried mac and cheese bites by breading and pan-frying small portions for a delicious snack.

FAQs

• What types of cheese work best in this mac and cheese recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, mozzarella adds creaminess, and Parmesan gives a nutty depth. These three cheeses create a perfect balance of taste and texture.

• Can I make this mac and cheese gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How do I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming grainy or separating?

Always add cheese to the sauce off the heat and stir until smooth. Use room temperature cheese and avoid overheating, which can cause cheese to break and become grainy.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Perfection

• Create Comfort in Every Bite: Dive into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for satisfying those classic comfort food cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, add crispy bacon bits, or toss in some roasted vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep dinner exciting.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality mac and cheese without complex techniques or hard-to-find components.

Mac And Cheese Ingredient List

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that provides the rich, tangy base for the mac and cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a smooth, stretchy texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty and salty depth to the overall cheese flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Helps to create a creamy and velvety sauce consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the mac and cheese.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and golden-brown topping that adds texture to the dish.

Step-by-Step Baked Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until it’s tender but still has a little bite. Drain and set aside, ready for cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk like a pro until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

Let it cook for a couple of minutes to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously.

Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Season The Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Step 6: Cheese Party

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Stir until everything melts into a gorgeous, golden sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Cheese

Mix the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni until every noodle is generously coated. Transfer to your prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Add Extra Cheese Layer

Sprinkle an additional layer of cheddar across the top for maximum cheesiness.

Step 9: Create Crunchy Topping

Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Scatter this crispy mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown, bubbling top that screams “eat me!” Let it rest for 5 minutes before diving in.

Tips for Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Use room temperature milk and cheese for smoother, creamier sauce that blends effortlessly.
• Select sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity and better melting properties.
• Prevent soggy breadcrumbs by toasting them briefly in a skillet before adding to the top for extra crunch.
• Experiment with cheese combinations like gruyère or fontina to create unique flavor profiles.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.

Flavor Twists for Baked Mac And Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Comfort Mac: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
• Protein-Packed Mac: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to boost protein content. Mix in sautéed spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Mac: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chili powder, and pepper jack cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of panko for a zesty kick.

Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting homemade baked mac and cheese combines creamy goodness with crispy breadcrumb edges. Cheese lovers savor this classic American dish that delivers rich flavor and hearty satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Boil macaroni in salted water until tender, ensuring it reaches al dente consistency. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until the mixture becomes smooth and golden, cooking for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a velvety sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
6. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and forming a silky, rich cheese sauce.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8. Distribute the remaining cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the mac and cheese.
9. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese layer to create a crispy, golden topping.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the cheese and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Prevent mushy pasta by cooking macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Create a silky smooth cheese sauce by gradually adding milk and whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting flour with cornstarch and using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 697
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 562 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg