If you’ve ever dreamed of a comforting, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible dish to warm your soul, this Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is the answer. Combining a creamy, luscious cheese sauce with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, this recipe turns classic mac and cheese into something truly special. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, every bite delivers that perfect balance of gooey cheese and satisfying texture that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is the first step to creating a delicious dish. Each one in this list plays a crucial role in giving the mac and cheese its creamy texture, rich flavor, and beautiful appearance.
- 1 lb elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness both to the sauce and the breadcrumb topping.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates a smooth roux to thicken the cheese sauce flawlessly.
- 2 cups whole milk: A creamy base that keeps the sauce silky and smooth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the decadence of the sauce, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth.
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese brings the sharp, tangy, and classic mac and cheese flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds wonderful stretchiness and melty goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty depth and enhances the overall cheesiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just a hint of warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and a touch of color.
- 1 cup panko or breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy interior superbly.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping): Helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully for that perfect crunch.
How to Make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your mac and cheese will bake evenly and won’t stick when it’s ready to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente—meaning tender but with a slight chew. This step is vital since the pasta will cook more in the oven; you want it perfect without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty. This roux is the base that will thicken your cheese sauce, so don’t rush it.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream into the roux, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove the pan from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is velvety and homogenous.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika for layered flavor and a subtle smoky hint. Stir in the cooked macaroni to ensure every piece is lavishly coated with that creamy, dreamy cheese sauce.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Topping
Pour your cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Mix panko crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl, then spread this topping evenly over the mac and cheese. This step is what gives the dish its unforgettable crunchy finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbling, and incredibly inviting. After taking it out of the oven, let it cool slightly so the sauce sets just right for serving.
How to Serve Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your baked mac and cheese with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce.
Side Dishes
Perfect accompaniments include crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even tangy coleslaw. These sides balance the richness and create a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your mac and cheese in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for parties. Layering it with crispy bacon or jalapeños before baking adds exciting texture and flavor variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, the mac and cheese will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for delicious next-day comfort food.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave single servings until hot, then add a minute or two under a broiler if you want to refresh the crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can try shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just make sure the pasta shape can hold sauce well for the best experience.
What cheese works best besides cheddar and mozzarella?
Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or fontina are great options that melt smoothly and add unique flavors. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite cheesy combination.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste will vary, but it’s still possible to create a tasty baked mac and cheese.
How can I make it extra crunchy?
Mixing the breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping and broiling for the last minute or two will produce a beautifully crisp crust. Adding some crushed crackers or fried onions can also boost crunchiness.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This saves time on busy days while maintaining incredible flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines classic comfort with cheesy, crunchy perfection. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, it’s a dish that brings people together. I can’t wait for you to make it and experience the cozy, cheesy goodness for yourself!
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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade baked mac and cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made from scratch. Tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, topped with a buttery, crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish offers indulgent creaminess balanced with a satisfying crisp topping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1 cup panko or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, add the elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns golden and slightly bubbly to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Incorporate cheeses and seasoning: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to fully coat the pasta evenly in the creamy mixture.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the cheesy macaroni into the greased baking dish in an even layer. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the baked mac and cheese cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For a sharper cheese flavor, use extra sharp cheddar instead of regular sharp cheddar.
- You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.
- Using freshly grated cheeses rather than pre-shredded will help the sauce be smoother and melt better.
- Breadcrumb topping adds crunch; if you prefer no topping, skip the panko and butter step.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish but hold off on baking, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
