If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the ultimate comfort food, you’re in for a treat with The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish is the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy sauce with that irresistible golden, slightly crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this baked mac and cheese promises to deliver soul-soothing satisfaction that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward mac and cheese bliss. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and color that make this dish unforgettably delicious.
- Elbow macaroni (1 lb): The classic pasta shape holds sauce perfectly, creating pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp): Adds richness and helps create a silky roux for the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce beautifully without any lumps.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Brings creaminess and a subtle sweetness to balance the cheese.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Intensifies the lusciousness of the sauce for that indulgent mouthfeel.
- Dijon mustard (2 tsp): Adds a gentle tang that enhances the cheese’s flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses a hint of savory warmth that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Provides a subtle aromatic background note.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and elevates every other flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild bite and complexity.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (3 cups): The star of the dish for bold, tangy flavor and creamy melt.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Offers meltiness and stringy texture for extra cheesiness.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty punch that rounds out the cheese blend.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Creates a wonderful crunchy topping to contrast the creamy pasta.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp): Coats the breadcrumbs to give them golden crispiness in the oven.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and light herbaceousness as a garnish.
How to Make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in generously salted water until just al dente. This ensures the pasta still has a bit of bite after baking and won’t get mushy. Drain and set aside, getting ready for it to soak up all that cheesy sauce magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns a beautiful golden color and bubbles up. This cooking process removes the raw flour taste and creates your roux base. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, then fold in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the sauce is perfectly smooth and every shred of cheese has melted into creamy perfection.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and fold gently until every noodle is luxuriously coated. This step turns simple pasta into a cheesy masterpiece ready to bake.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer your mac and cheese mixture into it. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this crumb topping over the pasta layer for a crunchy contrast once baked. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This step lets it set slightly so it’s easier to serve and the flavors marry beautifully. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for that inviting pop of green.
How to Serve The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds vibrant color but also a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the cheese. For a touch of heat, try a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts make incredible additions for texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
The creamy, cheesy richness pairs wonderfully with something crisp and light to balance the plate. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even a fresh tomato salad with a drizzle of balsamic. For heartier meals, grilled chicken or barbecue ribs are fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this classic comfort food up a notch by serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This personalization impresses guests and makes for cozy, attractive presentations. You can also layer the mac and cheese with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions in the dish before baking to add a gourmet twist that’s sure to wow everyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe shines even as leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully if you want to prepare ahead of time. Assemble the mac and cheese without the breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and adding the topping to ensure the best texture.
Reheating
To bring your mac and cheese back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and warmed through, typically about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents drying out. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain the crisp crumb topping and smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional because of its sauce-catching shape, other short pasta like cavatappi, shells, or penne can work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to keep the pasta al dente before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Make sure all other ingredients, especially cheeses and mustard, are gluten-free certified.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?
You sure can! This recipe is quite forgiving as a make-ahead meal. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before baking for best results.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?
Using panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and sprinkling generously on top before baking produces that perfect golden, crunchy crust. For extra flavor, mix in a little grated Parmesan or smoked paprika.
Can I add extra cheese or different types of cheese?
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Adding more mozzarella amps up the gooey factor, and mixing in Gruyère or fontina brings sophistication to the flavor. Just keep the total cheese volume similar to maintain the sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm comfort and rich creaminess of The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to brighten up any day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience that perfect balance of gooey, cheesy sauce topped with a crispy crust. Once you do, it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen too, just like it is in mine.
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The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy, cheesy homemade baked mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and topped with a buttery panko breadcrumb crust, it’s perfectly baked to golden brown perfection. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this classic American dish offers rich flavors with a smooth, velvety sauce enveloping tender elbow macaroni.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready when your macaroni and cheese is assembled and ready to bake.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until it is just al dente, about 7-8 minutes, then drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Make Roux and Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into the dish and spread it out smoothly.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the cheese sauce is hot and the topping is crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, increase the amount of mozzarella or add Gruyère cheese for a nutty flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the macaroni and cheese without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Before baking after refrigeration, allow the dish to come to room temperature to ensure even cooking.
