Quick & Creamy Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe From Scratch

Creamy, cheesy comfort beckons with this classic homemade baked mac and cheese recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Every forkful delivers rich, velvety goodness that warms the soul.

The simple blend of sharp cheddar and smooth gruyère creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the silky underneath.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Easy Mac & Cheese Variations

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Protein Power Mac: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to boost protein content. Mix protein directly into the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
• Veggie Loaded Option: Incorporate roasted broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers. Blend vegetables into the cheese sauce or layer them between pasta for added nutrition.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly adaptation.

Serving Up Baked Mac & Cheese

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or pulled pork for a hearty meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions to add nutrition and extra flavor complexity to the classic dish.
• Side Companion: Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light coleslaw to create a complete and delightful dinner experience.

Storage for Mac & Cheese Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the mac and cheese is cooled completely before sealing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread mac and cheese in a baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese or milk if needed for moisture.

FAQs

• What kind of cheese works best in this mac and cheese recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, while a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy texture that melts smoothly and adds depth to the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

• How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry?

Whisking the milk slowly and consistently while cooking creates a smooth sauce. Don’t overcook in the oven, and remove when the top is golden but still bubbling to maintain moisture.

Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese: Why It’s Special

• Craft Comfort Cuisine: Dive into a classic dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness, perfect for satisfying those ultimate comfort food cravings.
• Master Easy Cooking Skills: Straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for beginners, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality mac and cheese with minimal cooking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike, this mac and cheese brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of gooey, melted cheeses and crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Serve as a hearty main course or a delicious side dish that adapts to any mealtime, from casual weeknight dinners to potluck gatherings.

Ingredients for Classic Mac & Cheese

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides the perfect foundation for this creamy comfort dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that creates a rich, complex, and melty flavor profile for the mac and cheese.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and slight color to the mac and cheese.

• Breadcrumbs, Melted Butter: Creates a golden, crunchy exterior that adds texture to the creamy mac and cheese.

Making Baked Mac & Cheese at Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook the macaroni in a pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, ready for cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Create the Roux Magic

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk energetically for about a minute.

This creates a magical base that’ll make your sauce super creamy.

Step 4: Whisk in the Silky Liquid

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously.

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth like a velvety dream.

Step 5: Cheese Explosion

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Add a dash of paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir until the cheese melts into a gloriously smooth sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Marry the Pasta and Cheese

Pour the molten cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni.

Mix thoroughly, ensuring every single pasta piece gets a luxurious cheese coating.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Scoop the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: Crispy Topping Preparation

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly coated.

Sprinkle this golden mixture over the mac and cheese for a crunchy crown.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with cheesy excitement.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your creamy, crunchy masterpiece!

Mac & Cheese Tips for Extra Creaminess

• Add a pinch of ground mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce for deeper, more complex taste.
• Shred cheese yourself and add it gradually off the heat to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without separation.
• Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan for an extra crunchy, golden-brown surface that adds delightful texture.
• Fold in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the dish into a heartier meal.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Creamy cheddar, golden breadcrumbs, and perfectly al dente pasta create a nostalgic dish you’ll crave with every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
2. Prepare macaroni according to package guidelines, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for one minute until fragrant.
4. Pour milk gradually into the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
6. Season the cheese sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a crispy topping, then sprinkle generously over the mac and cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and flavors meld.

Notes

• Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor profile and creamy texture.
• Use whole milk or half-and-half instead of low-fat milk to achieve a richer, more indulgent mac and cheese.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor that elevates the classic dish.
• Try gluten-free pasta and alternative flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or creaminess.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg