Dreamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe For Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Melted cheese blankets tender pasta in a rich, golden embrace that melts hearts instantly.

Every forkful delivers a nostalgic blend of sharp cheddar and smooth, velvety textures.

The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this classic dish from simple to spectacular.

Generations have savored this ultimate mac and cheese, passing down techniques that make each bite a treasured memory.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings become extraordinary with this irresistible recipe.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this cheesy masterpiece that transforms an everyday meal into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 304 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You Need For The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic foundation that cradles the creamy cheese, choose high-quality pasta for perfect texture and ability to hold sauce.

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety base for roux and adds deep flavor complexity.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates silky sauce thickener with smooth consistency.
• Whole Milk: Delivers creamy, luxurious liquid base for exceptional sauce texture.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and creates ultra-smooth sauce experience.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Blend sharp, nutty, and tangy flavors for sophisticated cheese profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and depth to cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuse aromatic background notes without overwhelming main flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate and balance cheese sauce.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistible golden-brown crunch with light, airy texture.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Provides extra sharp flavor and helps topping brown beautifully.
• Paprika: Offers warm color and subtle smoky undertone.
• Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumbs achieve perfect golden-brown crispiness.

Cooking Essentials For The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating enough space for water.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce with even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending flour, preventing lumps, and creating silky sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining pasta and cheese sauce seamlessly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking mac and cheese with even heat and crispy topping.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing breadcrumb topping ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Recommended for freshly grating cheese for best melting quality.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.

How To Make The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until it’s soft but still has a slight bite. Drain and set aside, letting it rest while you create the magical cheese sauce.

• Cheese Sauce Magic

Melt butter in a saucepan over gentle heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk until the mixture looks smooth and smells nutty. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent any lumpy surprises. Add a touch of mustard, garlic, and seasonings to give the sauce an extra flavor kick. Remove from heat and fold in a handful of delicious cheeses until they melt into a creamy dream.

• Mixing and Coating

Combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a big bowl. Stir until every single pasta piece is luxuriously covered in the cheesy goodness. The goal is complete cheese coverage!

• Topping Crunch

Transfer the cheesy mixture into a baking dish. Create a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Scatter this golden mixture generously across the top.

• Baking Transformation

Pop the dish into a preheated oven. Watch as the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to bubble with cheesy excitement. Bake until the topping looks irresistibly crispy.

• Serving Delight

Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Pro Tips For Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Creamy Cheese Sauce Perfection: Grate your own cheese block for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce that melts beautifully without clumping or graininess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. The dish remains just as creamy and delicious for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the mac and cheese by mixing in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, sharp white cheddar, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles. Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Serving Ideas For The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this rich mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy pasta's decadence.
• Hearty Protein Boost: Add some grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top for extra protein and a delightful crunch that elevates the dish.
• Veggie Sidekick: Roast some seasonal vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts to serve alongside, bringing color and nutrition to your meal.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the cheesy goodness with a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay to cut through the richness.

Storage Tips For Baked Mac And Cheese To Reheat Smoothly

Quickly transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

• Refrigeration Magic: Store mac and cheese in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy texture might slightly change, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn and protect the cheesy goodness.
• Reheating Rescue: Revive chilled mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk when warming in the microwave or oven. Stir gently to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Creamy Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort with sharp cheddar and tender elbow pasta. Cheesy layers meld into a golden-brown crust that promises rich, satisfying flavor for family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or favorite pasta
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente, then drain completely and set aside to air dry.
2. Roux Foundation: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook until the mixture develops a rich, nutty fragrance for about two minutes.
3. Sauce Development: Slowly pour milk and cream into the roux, whisking constantly to create a smooth base. Incorporate Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, simmering until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove from heat and gradually fold in cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and uniform.
5. Assembly and Topping: Combine pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika for a crisp golden layer.
6. Baking and Finishing: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and bake until the top turns golden-brown and edges bubble, approximately 20-25 minutes. Rest for five minutes to allow flavors to meld, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Select Pasta Carefully: Choose elbow macaroni or short pasta with ridges to help cheese sauce cling better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Prevent Grainy Sauce: Shred cheese freshly by hand and add gradually at low heat to maintain smooth, creamy texture without separating or becoming grainy.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain pasta completely and let it sit for a few minutes to evaporate excess water, preventing watery mac and cheese sauce consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for individuals with dietary restrictions while maintaining rich, comforting flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 304
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg