The Ultimate Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy mac and cheese brings pure comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

cheese lovers know this classic dish never disappoints hungry souls craving something warm and indulgent.

Pasta shapes like elbow macaroni create the perfect canvas for melted cheddar and rich dairy goodness.

Sharp cheese blends make ordinary meals extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients.

Kitchen magic happens when you combine pantry staples into something miraculous and delicious.

Cozy nights call for this ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One bite promises to transport you straight to childhood memories of home-cooked happiness.

What Makes Baked Mac And Cheese Shine

• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: These sliders pack a flavor punch that'll make everyone at the table cheer with excitement, from kids to adults.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, assemble quickly, and let the oven do the hard work with super simple steps that require zero culinary expertise.
• Versatile Party Superstar: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend get-togethers where you want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a mouthwatering combination of creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness that satisfies serious comfort food cravings in every single bite.

What You Need For Baked Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses provide a rich, complex flavor profile and create a smooth, melty texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce and provides a silky consistency.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and elevates the taste of the mac and cheese.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden crust to the mac and cheese.

How To Cook Baked Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light butter or cooking spray coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil your elbow macaroni in salted water until tender and al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Create A Velvety Roux

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a golden, smooth roux that will thicken your sauce.

Step 4: Pour In Creamy Milk

Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick and silky.

Step 5: Melt Cheese Wonderland

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Cheese

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a perfect cheesy coating.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Sprinkle this golden crumbly mixture evenly across the mac and cheese for a delightful crispy layer.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly and irresistible.

Step 9: Serve And Savor

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot.

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with friends and family!

Handy Insights For Baked Mac And Cheese

• Choose sharp cheddar or aged cheese for deeper, richer flavor that elevates the overall taste of mac and cheese.
• Prevent dry mac and cheese by adding an extra splash of milk or cream to the cheese sauce for smoother, creamier consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, gouda, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour in the roux.
• Make it healthier by adding roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to boost nutritional value and add interesting texture.

Taste Tweaks For Baked Mac And Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Mac: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and sprinkle with chili powder for a zesty kick. Top with crispy bacon bits and chopped cilantro.
• Veggie Loaded Mac: Mix in roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach. Replace half the cheese with nutritional yeast for a healthier version.
• Truffle Gourmet Mac: Drizzle truffle oil before baking, use gruyère and fontina cheeses. Garnish with fresh chives and crispy pancetta crumbles.
• Mediterranean Mac: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives. Finish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of oregano.

Best Pairings With Baked Mac And Cheese

• Cozy Movie Night Comfort Plate: Pair this creamy mac and cheese with crispy chicken tenders or buffalo wings for a classic comfort food combo that'll satisfy every craving.
• Family-Style Potluck Star: Serve in a large decorative dish alongside green salad and roasted vegetables to create a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that looks impressive and tastes amazing.
• Gourmet Lunch Upgrade: Top individual portions with crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped chives, or a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar to elevate the classic dish and add exciting texture and flavor layers.
• Elegant Side Dish Transformation: Portion into small ramekins for an upscale dinner party side that looks sophisticated and allows guests to enjoy perfectly portioned cheesy goodness with minimal mess.

Keeping Baked Mac And Cheese Fresh Longer

• Transfer leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture degradation.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess and Parmesan brings a tangy depth. Combining these three cheeses creates a rich, complex taste that elevates the classic dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta. The breadcrumb topping can be replaced with gluten-free panko or omitted entirely.

• How can I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming grainy?

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

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic homemade baked mac and cheese recipe delights families with creamy, cheesy goodness. Rich cheddar and smooth bechamel sauce create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (optional for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, following package directions. Drain completely and set aside.
3. Create a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4. Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, thickening base.
5. Incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the milk mixture, stirring until fully melted and achieving a velvety consistency.
6. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly.
9. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a separate bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly across the top for a crispy golden crust.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Notes

• Make the roux carefully by cooking flour and butter together, which helps prevent a grainy cheese sauce and creates a smooth, silky texture.
• Try different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or gouda to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Use whole milk or even a mix of heavy cream and milk for an extra rich and creamy mac and cheese that feels indulgent and luxurious.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the classic crispy topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 623
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg