Quick & Creamy Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Creamy, golden mac & cheese stands as a comfort food champion in my kitchen.

Childhood memories flood back with each cheesy, bubbling bite.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to this classic dish.

Cheesy goodness melts perfectly when baked to golden perfection.

Simple ingredients come together in a surprisingly elegant way.

Rich and satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new weekend favorite.

Grab a fork and dive into pure deliciousness that will make you the star of any gathering.

Baked Mac & Cheese That’s Creamy and Classic

• Quick and Comforting Crowd-Pleaser: This mac and cheese recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, cheesy comfort food everyone loves.
• Hassle-Free Preparation: Whip up this dish in under an hour with straightforward steps that don't require advanced cooking skills, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
• Ultimate Customizable Meal: Easily adjust the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding proteins like bacon or chicken, or incorporating extra vegetables to suit different taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Kid-Friendly Kitchen Project: Engage children in cooking by letting them help mix ingredients, sprinkle cheese, or stir the sauce, creating a fun family bonding experience while teaching basic culinary skills.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese What Goes In

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic short pasta perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce.

• Butter, Cream, Milk: Rich base that creates smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.
• Cheeses, Parmesan Cheese: Provide deep, complex flavor and create signature mac and cheese creaminess. Sharp cheddar recommended for bold taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing overall flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tangy depth to cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides aromatic background notes without sharp raw garlic or onion texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy golden crust on top of mac and cheese. Plain or seasoned varieties work well.

Making Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain the water and toss the pasta with a generous pat of butter to keep it from clumping.

Step 3: Build the Magical Roux

In a big saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly until the mixture turns a warm golden color.

This is your flavor foundation.

Step 4: Create the Silky Sauce

Slowly pour in warm milk and cream, whisking like a pro.

Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, thick wonderland of deliciousness.

Step 5: Season and Cheese It Up

• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Add the cheese handful by handful, stirring until it melts into a luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked macaroni.

Mix until every single noodle is covered in cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this magical mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams “eat me!” Let it rest for a few minutes before diving in.

Mac & Cheese Tips for That Golden, Bubbly Finish

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to your mac and cheese.
• Whisk milk slowly and steadily into the roux, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without lumps by maintaining consistent medium heat and constant stirring.
• Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet before mixing with butter and Parmesan for extra crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture to the dish.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick and more sophisticated flavor profile.

Store Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in a baking dish, add splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Add small amount of milk to prevent drying. Heat in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot.

What Complements Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese, balancing the dish's heaviness with refreshing citrus notes.
• Complement with Tangy Side Salad: Create a bright green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a sharp, fresh contrast against the cheesy, comforting pasta.
• Match with Smoky Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits to add a savory, protein-packed element that enhances the mac and cheese's creamy texture and deepens its flavor profile.
• Drink with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale that can stand up to the strong cheese flavors, offering a robust and complementary beverage experience.

Baked Mac & Cheese with Cheesy Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Select gluten-free elbow macaroni to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Creamy Classic: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream. Use plant-based butter alternatives and unsweetened almond milk for a rich, dairy-free mac and cheese experience.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace traditional pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Maintain the cheese sauce but reduce carbohydrate content for a keto-friendly adaptation.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to boost protein content. Consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach for additional nutrition and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What cheeses work best for this mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while Gruyère adds creamy richness. Monterey Jack helps create smooth texture, and Parmesan gives a delicious tangy finish.

• Is making a roux difficult for beginners?

Not at all! Simply melt butter, add flour, and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. The key is keeping the heat medium and whisking consistently to prevent burning.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, easily! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure your pasta is also gluten-free for a complete adaptation.

• How can I prevent a grainy cheese sauce?

Always add cheese off the heat and stir gently. Use room temperature cheese, and avoid overheating, which can cause proteins to separate and create a grainy texture.

Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy homemade baked mac & cheese delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, melding sharp cheddar with velvety sauce. Crispy breadcrumb topping and rich cheese blend promise a hearty meal that welcomes you to savor classic southern hospitality.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a rectangular baking vessel with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Boil the macaroni in salted water until tender, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness. Drain thoroughly and toss with melted butter to prevent clumping.
3. Create a golden roux by melting butter in a spacious saucepan, then whisk in flour, stirring continuously until the mixture develops a pale, nutty hue.
4. Gradually introduce warm milk and cream into the roux, whisking methodically to eliminate any potential lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a smooth, velvety consistency.
5. Enhance the sauce’s flavor profile by incorporating Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Fold in shredded cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
6. Transfer the macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Pour the cheesy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
7. Craft a crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Distribute the mixture uniformly across the mac and cheese surface.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes effervescent with bubbling cheese. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust and complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Experiment with additional mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or caramelized onions to create unique variations and personalize the mac and cheese.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg