Easy Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe That Warms The Soul

My quest for ultimate comfort kicked off with this incredible homemade baked mac and cheese that promises pure culinary magic.

Family dinners would never feel complete without such a cheesy masterpiece.

Rich dairy goodness melts into every single pasta curve, creating an irresistible sensation.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs add unexpected texture across the creamy surface.

Childhood memories dance through each warm, gooey bite of this classic dish.

Simple ingredients combine with classic techniques to deliver something spectacularly satisfying.

Prepare to experience mac and cheese that elevates your weeknight meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Mac And Cheese That’s A Baked Favorite

• Comfort Food Champion: Transforms classic mac and cheese into a gourmet, restaurant-quality dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Savior: Prepares in just 45 minutes total, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master effortlessly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Allows flexible cheese combinations like cheddar and Gruyere, plus optional breadcrumb topping for extra crunch, making it adaptable for different taste preferences.
• Family Dinner Superstar: Delivers rich, creamy texture that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for casual family meals or potluck gatherings where everyone wants seconds.

Baked Mac And Cheese Main Components

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, classic comfort food choice for mac and cheese.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and complex cheese combination providing deep flavor layers, sharp cheddar offers tangy taste, Gruyere adds nutty complexity, Parmesan brings salty depth.

• Unsalted Butter, All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating smooth roux, butter provides rich flavor, flour helps thicken sauce.
• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious and creamy sauce base, whole milk offers traditional richness, heavy cream adds extra smoothness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and complexity to cheese sauce, garlic and onion powders provide savory undertones, smoked paprika offers optional subtle smokiness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile, balances cheese richness.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Unsalted Butter (Melted): Creates golden, crispy exterior, panko provides light and airy crunch, melted butter helps breadcrumbs brown evenly.

Baked Mac And Cheese Homemade Assembly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Perfect Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until tender but still firm.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create Silky Cheese Sauce Base

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken.

Step 5: Season And Flavor

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Reduce heat and stir until well combined.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Goodness

• Cheddar
• Gruyere
• Parmesan

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated perfectly.

Step 8: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour cheesy pasta mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 9: Create Crispy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Sprinkle generously over mac and cheese.

Step 10: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide dish into preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until top turns golden and edges bubble.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve hot and savor every creamy bite.

Baked Mac and Cheese Tips for Creamy Inside, Crisp Top

• Use low, steady heat when adding cheese to prevent graininess and ensure smooth, creamy sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Select freshly grated cheese blocks instead of pre-shredded varieties for superior melting and richer flavor profile.
• Cook pasta just until al dente since it continues cooking in the oven, preventing soggy mac and cheese texture.
• Ensure breadcrumbs are evenly distributed and lightly browned by spreading them in a thin, uniform layer before baking.
• Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option.

Store Mac And Cheese With Creaminess Intact

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed mac and cheese stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a small amount of milk to maintain sauce consistency and prevent dryness.

Side Picks for Baked Mac and Cheese

• Enhance Cheese Comfort: Pair with crisp, light green salad to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Beverage Brilliance: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing craft beer to complement the creamy, cheesy flavors.
• Protein Partner: Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon on the side to provide textural contrast and extra protein boost.
• Veggie Companion: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add freshness and nutritional balance to the hearty dish.

Baked Mac and Cheese with Extra Creamy Twists

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and panko breadcrumbs to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey to increase protein content. Mix protein directly into the cheese sauce before combining with pasta.
• Veggie-Loaded Option: Incorporate roasted broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition. Chop vegetables finely and blend seamlessly into the mac and cheese for a hidden vegetable boost.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash. Use full-fat cheeses and adjust sauce consistency to maintain creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like monterey jack, gouda, or fontina. Just keep the total cheese quantity similar to maintain the right consistency.

• How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry?

Create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce by slowly whisking milk and using enough cheese. Don’t overcook in the oven, and cover with foil if it looks too dry during baking.

• Is this recipe good for making ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work fine. You can also use crushed crackers or even crushed cornflakes for a crunchy topping that adds great texture to the dish.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, comforting Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese brings classic American comfort to your dinner table. Melted cheese, golden breadcrumbs, and perfectly cooked pasta promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Submerge pasta in boiling water, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
3. Craft a silky foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan, then incorporate flour to create a golden roux, whisking continuously for approximately two minutes.
4. Gradually introduce milk and heavy cream, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thickened sauce.
5. Enhance the sauce’s complexity by introducing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and gently fold in cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until they meld into a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Unite the cooked pasta with the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta strand is generously coated, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Create a crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately sprinkle the mixture across the mac and cheese surface.
8. Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the top to develop a golden-brown crust and the interior to become delightfully bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let rest momentarily before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect al dente pasta by cooking it just shy of the package instructions, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
• Create a super smooth cheese sauce by gradually whisking milk and cream, preventing lumps and guaranteeing a silky texture.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, or creamy fontina to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the dish.
• Boost nutrition by mixing in roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, or add crispy bacon bits for extra protein and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg