The Perfect Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe For Comfort

Creamy, dreamy mac and cheese can transform an ordinary weeknight into a comfort food celebration.

Cheese lovers understand the magic behind a perfect blend of pasta and dairy goodness.

Rich cheddar melts into a silky sauce that hugs each noodle with warmth.

Crafting this classic dish requires simple ingredients and a dash of culinary passion.

Generations have cherished this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings smiles around the dinner table.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the velvety pasta beneath.

You’ll fall in love with every gooey, cheesy bite that promises pure satisfaction.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese: Why It’s Loved

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform the classic mac and cheese into a gourmet experience with a rich, creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Create Family Memories: Gather loved ones around this hearty dish that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table, sparking conversation and smiles.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, add proteins like bacon or chicken, or mix in vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the delicious core intact.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cooking adventures.

Ingredients Needed For Baked Mac And Cheese

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for capturing creamy cheese sauce.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and velvety texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Blend of cheeses delivers complex and robust cheese flavor.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth to the cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic background flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky undertone.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden crunchy texture on top of the mac and cheese.

Make Baked Mac And Cheese Like This

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil the macaroni in salted water until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain the pasta completely and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Create The Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about one minute to create a smooth, golden base.

Step 4: Build The Creamy Sauce

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

Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until all cheeses melt into a luxurious, smooth sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly with the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a creamy coating.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Prepare The Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni.

Add an extra layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top for ultimate cheesiness.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

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

Watch for a golden-brown, bubbly top that promises incredible flavor.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Baked Mac And Cheese – Expert Advice

• Add a dash of Dijon mustard or smoked paprika to intensify the cheese sauce's depth and complexity.
• Reserve some pasta water to help create a creamier, smoother sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs in a skillet before mixing with melted butter for extra crunch and golden color.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
• Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Creative Baked Mac And Cheese Combos

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese: Add roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to increase nutritional value. Mix chopped vegetables directly into the cheese sauce before baking.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Substitute macaroni with riced or chopped cauliflower. Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cheese for richness. Keep the same seasoning and baking method.
• Protein-Packed Mac and Cheese: Stir in cooked chicken, bacon bits, or canned tuna before baking. Increase protein content while maintaining the classic creamy texture of the original recipe.

Serving Baked Mac And Cheese Comfort

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add freshness to the meal.
• Weekend Game Night Delight: Serve as a hearty side dish during movie marathons or sports viewing parties, perfect for satisfying hungry crowds.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham directly into the mac and cheese to transform it into a complete, protein-packed main course.
• Veggie Boost Option: Mix in roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach before baking to increase nutritional value and introduce extra color and flavor to the dish.

Keeping Baked Mac And Cheese Fresh

• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
• Pack mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and store for maximum 3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, add 2-3 tablespoons milk to restore moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Why use multiple types of cheese?

Different cheeses add complex flavor layers. Cheddar provides sharpness, mozzarella creates creaminess, and Parmesan brings a nutty depth that makes the mac and cheese more interesting and delicious.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of panko. The technique remains the same.

• How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off the heat and stir gently. Reduce heat to low when incorporating cheese and avoid overheating, which can cause proteins to separate and create a grainy texture.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy, classic Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese delivers comfort on a plate with golden-brown edges and rich, melted cheese. Crispy breadcrumb topping and sharp cheddar blend create a nostalgic dish that welcomes comfort seekers to savor each delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups (454 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Sauce Base:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons (30 grams) all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain completely and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for approximately 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly incorporate milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Introduce Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the creamy base, then gradually fold in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and integrated.
6. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Gently fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture across the top of the mac and cheese.
10. Scatter remaining cheddar cheese over the breadcrumb layer for additional texture and flavor.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy and bubbly.
12. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or fontina for more complex flavor profiles.
• Always grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without separation.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding melted butter for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version, or replace cheese with nutritional yeast for vegan adaptation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg