If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe wraps bubbling, gooey cheese and tender pasta in a golden, toasty crumb topping that’s pure nostalgia — every creamy bite is familiar and exceptional at once. Whether you’re cozying up with family on a cool night or feeding a crowd, this classic dish brings everyone to the table. With smart, flavorful touches, it earns its title as the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese you’ll ever try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish has a simple job, but together they create that unforgettable flavor and texture you love in classic comfort food. Here’s how they build magic in every forkful of Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Elbow macaroni (1 pound): The perfect shape for catching every drop of cheese sauce, elbow macaroni never gets lost in the mix.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Butter forms the rich, sumptuous base for your roux, setting up a sauce that’s extra luscious.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Mixed into the butter, flour thickens your sauce for that classic creamy texture everyone craves.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Whole milk lends fullness and creaminess, key for a sauce that hugs every noodle.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For added decadence and silkiness, a splash of cream pushes the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese over the top.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle savoriness that sets homemade apart from boxed versions.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint of onion flavor deepens the cheese sauce without overwhelming it.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ensures the cheese truly shines.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle kick and that cozy, home-cooked warmth.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a whisper of smoky color and an inviting look to your bake.
- Shredded sharp cheddar (3 cups): This is the star: tangy, melty cheddar gives classic flavor and stretch.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Mozzarella adds gooeyness and just a little elasticity, perfect for cheese pulls.
- Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): Parmesan brings a touch of savory, nutty depth to every bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Light, crispy panko gives you that lovely golden crunch up top.
- Olive oil or melted butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Tossed with panko, it helps the top crisp up perfectly in the oven.
How to Make Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to work its magic while you make the sauce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook your elbow macaroni just until al dente (they’ll finish cooking in the oven!), then drain and set aside. You want them tender but still with a bit of bite—they’ll become perfectly soft after baking in the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make a Rich Roux
Melt your butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter is bubbling but not browned, whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes; this quick roux cooks off the raw flour taste and lays the silky foundation for your cheese sauce.
Step 3: Stir in Dairy and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure your mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Keep stirring for 5 to 7 minutes; it should thicken to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This is the creamy canvas that makes the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese so irresistible. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika for a subtle, well-rounded flavor boost.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted, turning your base into that dreamy, velvety sauce—seriously, try not to take a spoonful right now!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni directly into your luscious cheese sauce, turning the pasta until it’s fully coated. Every noodle should be snug in a blanket of sauce—this is the heart of the dish, where all the magic happens.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top gently for even browning. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the pasta. This step ensures that signature golden, crunchy top layer everyone vies for at dinnertime.
Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is toasty and golden. For even more crunch, broil for another 2 to 3 minutes at the end (just keep an eye on it—golden, not burnt!). Let the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it sets just enough and won’t burn eager mouths.
How to Serve Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a fresh, herby note against all the richness. For a dash of heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top or a drizzle of truffle oil to really treat your guests. Even a bit of extra Parmesan showered on just before serving never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
Balance the hearty, cheesy goodness with light, crisp sides. A green salad tossed with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted tomatoes cut through the richness perfectly. For those seeking the ultimate comfort food feast, serve alongside barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or even fried chicken—this Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the ideal partner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful spin, portion the mac and cheese into individual ramekins—everyone gets their own crispy-topped bowl! Or, serve it as a base for a mac and cheese bar, with bowls of toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed spinach, chives, or diced jalapeños so guests can customize their dish. For parties, spoon it into mini muffin tins for adorable bite-sized appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully in the fridge. Allow it to cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days; just reheat gently to bring everything back to melty perfection.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze this dish. Assemble the mac and cheese as directed (don’t bake yet), cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Once baked, leftovers can also be frozen, but the sauce may be a bit less creamy upon thawing—still tasty!
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes or until hot. For just a bowl or two, the microwave works—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until creamy and steaming. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens up too much, and top with fresh breadcrumbs for added crunch if you wish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! The classic blend in this recipe brings both flavor and texture, but feel free to add or swap in gruyère, fontina, or even pepper jack according to your preferences. Just be sure to use melting cheeses for that signature creamy pull.
Is it possible to make the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs and you won’t miss a beat.
How do I stop my cheese sauce from turning grainy?
A smooth cheese sauce is all about gentle heat and good melting cheese. Remove the sauce from direct heat before stirring in the cheese, and add it slowly. High heat can cause cheese to separate, so take it slow and stir until melted!
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the dish up through the breadcrumb layer, cover, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake directly from the fridge, just add 5 minutes or so to the baking time.
What are some tasty mix-ins for variety?
Try cooked bacon for smoky flavor, sautéed spinach or kale for earthiness, or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. Roasted veggies like cauliflower or butternut squash are excellent additions too—the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is super adaptable!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted the gooey, golden-top comfort of the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, it’s sure to become your go-to for weeknights, potlucks, or any night you need a little extra joy. Give it a try and see just how satisfying homemade baked mac and cheese can be—you might never go back to the boxed stuff again!
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Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the best homemade baked mac and cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Season with spices and melt in cheeses until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish. Toss breadcrumbs with oil, sprinkle on top. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil the top for 2–3 minutes after baking.
- Enhance with cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, or diced jalapeños for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
