Creamy Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe That Wows Everyone

Crafting the perfect homemade baked mac and cheese requires patience, creativity, and a dash of culinary magic.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delightful than this classic dish that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.

Cheesy goodness meets crispy golden edges in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich and creamy textures blend seamlessly with carefully selected ingredients, promising an unforgettable meal.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the simple yet sophisticated approach to this timeless recipe.

cheese enthusiasts can anticipate a mouthwatering experience that elevates the humble mac and cheese to a gourmet delight.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

FAQs

• Why use multiple types of cheese?

Different cheeses add complexity to flavor. Cheddar provides sharp taste, while mozzarella creates creamy texture. Combining them makes the mac and cheese richer and more interesting.

• What does mustard powder do in the recipe?

Mustard powder enhances cheese flavor and adds subtle tanginess. It brings depth and complexity to the overall taste without overwhelming the dish.

• How do panko breadcrumbs improve the mac and cheese?

Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden topping that adds delightful crunch. When mixed with melted butter, they provide a textural contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Everyone Loves

• Conquer Comfort Food: A cheesy masterpiece that delivers pure homemade happiness with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, this recipe allows easy ingredient adjustments and personal touches.
• Master Quick Weeknight Dinner: Simple preparation steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can transform basic pantry staples into a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Elevate Your Culinary Confidence: Beginner-friendly recipe that teaches essential cooking skills like making a smooth cheese sauce and achieving perfect pasta texture, boosting your kitchen expertise.

Ingredients For Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly holds the creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that provides the primary cheese taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a smooth, melty texture to the mac and cheese.
• Milk: Creates the base for the rich and creamy cheese sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth sauce.

• Mustard Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy golden texture to the top of the mac and cheese.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, green contrast to the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth consistency.

How To Bake Homemade Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Drop in elbow macaroni and cook until tender but still firm.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Create Magical Cheese Base

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns golden and develops a nutty aroma.

Step 4: Build The Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth texture.

Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Season The Sauce

• Mustard powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Melt The Cheesy Goodness

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky smooth sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Gently fold until every single pasta piece is lovingly coated.

Step 8: Transfer To Baking Dish

Spread the cheesy macaroni into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Step 9: Create Crispy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly across the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully crispy.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes.

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips For Perfect Homemade Mac And Cheese

• Prevent clumpy sauce by gradually adding milk and whisking continuously to create a smooth, silky texture.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Ensure macaroni is perfectly al dente before mixing with cheese sauce to avoid mushy pasta and maintain ideal texture.
• Enhance breadcrumb topping by mixing in grated parmesan or herbs like thyme for extra crunch and aromatic depth.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.

Different Spins On Homemade Mac And Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace regular flour with rice flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free macaroni for a celiac-friendly version.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Mac: Add diced chicken, tuna, or plant-based protein like roasted chickpeas, and mix in steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Mac: Incorporate diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, add pepper jack cheese, and top with crispy bacon bits for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean-Style Mac: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, then swap panko for toasted pine nuts as a crunchy topping.

What Goes Well With Baked Mac And Cheese

• Cozy Family Dinner Star: Serve this mac and cheese as the main attraction for a comforting family meal, paired with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where it'll quickly become everyone's favorite side dish, guaranteed to disappear fast.
• Game Day Comfort Food: Transform this mac and cheese into the ultimate game day companion, offering warm, cheesy goodness that keeps everyone satisfied during sports events.
• Lunch Box Transformation: Pack cooled mac and cheese in lunch containers, creating a delightful midday treat that stays delicious when reheated.

How To Store Homemade Mac And Cheese

• Refrigerate leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Store the dish completely cooled to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Avoid leaving mac and cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.

Creamy Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy homemade baked mac and cheese brings comfort to dinner tables across America. Rich cheddar and buttery breadcrumbs create a golden, irresistible casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups whole milk

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water until tender. Drain completely and set aside.
3. Create a roux in a large saucepan by melting butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns golden and develops a nutty aroma, about 2 minutes.
4. Gradually stream milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5-6 minutes.
5. Season the sauce with mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
6. Incorporate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, stirring until fully melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the rich mixture.
8. Transfer the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture uniformly across the top of the pasta.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure macaroni remains al dente to prevent mushy texture when baking, keeping pasta firm and maintaining perfect bite.
• Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for robust flavor that enhances overall taste and creamy consistency.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
• Experiment with cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda to elevate classic mac and cheese with unique flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg