The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. Making it from scratch is easier than you might think, and you can customize it to your tastes. Whether you want a crispy topping or extra cheese, this recipe lets you create the perfect dish for any occasion.

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 1 minute.
5. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it thicken for about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
9. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix well.
10. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
11. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese

Serve your baked mac and cheese hot from the oven. It’s a perfect side dish for grilled meats or a main course itself. You can also add some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for added flavor.

How to Store Baked Mac and Cheese

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place the mac and cheese in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just make sure to put it in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

• For extra creaminess, try mixing in a little cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.

Variation

You can add cooked bacon or vegetables like broccoli or spinach to your mac and cheese for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can use any cheese that melts well, like gouda or fontina.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Baked Mac and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy baked mac and cheese that is a classic comfort food, customizable to your tastes and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheeses

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce Base

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping (optional)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 1 minute.
5. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it thicken for about 5 minutes.

Combining Sauce and Macaroni

1. Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
4. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
5. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Notes

For extra creaminess, try mixing in a little cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.