Dreamy Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe To Warm Your Soul

Creamy, comforting homemade baked mac and cheese represents the ultimate comfort food for hungry souls seeking warmth.

Cheesy goodness melts into every nook and cranny of perfectly cooked pasta.

Layers of rich, golden cheese create a crispy top that promises incredible flavor.

Sharp cheddar and smooth gruyère combine in a magical blend that makes taste buds dance.

Bubbling from the oven, this dish speaks directly to your comfort cravings.

Crisp breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch that contrasts the silky cheese sauce.

Dig into this irresistible classic that turns ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Why Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Is Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers ultimate creamy satisfaction with rich, melted cheese and tender pasta that hugs your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master without stress.
• Versatile Family Favorite: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a delightful side dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Customizable Creativity: Allows easy modifications like adding bacon, different cheese blends, or vegetables to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

• Macaroni Pasta: A classic pasta shape that provides the perfect base for this comforting dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that gives the mac and cheese its signature taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy cheese that adds a smooth and stretchy texture to the sauce.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides the liquid foundation for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and creates a luxurious texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and golden topping that adds a delightful crunch.

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

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni according to the package directions.

Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce Base

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

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

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

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes silky.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir until the cheese completely melts and blends into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add the Crunchy Topping

Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbly edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps the sauce set and prevents burning your mouth.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

• Select freshly grated cheddar and mozzarella for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
• Ensure macaroni is slightly undercooked before baking to avoid mushy texture when combined with cheese sauce.
• Toast breadcrumbs in butter until golden brown for extra crunch and rich, buttery flavor.
• Whisk milk and cream slowly to create a silky smooth sauce without lumps.
• Substitute whole wheat pasta and use reduced-fat cheese for a more nutritious version of this classic comfort dish.

Flavorful Mac and Cheese Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Creamy Mac: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese alternatives. Use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream and butter.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to the mac and cheese for extra protein. Mix in sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Use almond flour instead of regular flour and reduce overall carbohydrate content.

What Goes Well With Mac and Cheese

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sliced ham to transform this dish into a hearty main course.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions for extra nutrition and flavor depth.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, drizzle hot sauce, or add diced jalapeños for a zesty kick.

Best Way to Store Baked Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based sauces.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread mac and cheese in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese on top if desired for crispy texture.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are ideal. They provide a rich, creamy flavor and excellent melting properties that create a smooth, delicious sauce.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with shells, rotini, or penne. Choose pasta with ridges or curves to hold more cheese sauce.

• How can I make the mac and cheese more crispy?

Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top and consider adding a layer of cheese before baking. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to create a golden, crispy top.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy homemade baked mac and cheese delivers ultimate comfort on a plate. Rich cheddar and tender pasta create a classic American side dish that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 cups (454 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°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. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, creating a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour milk and heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove sauce from heat and incorporate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture uniformly across the mac and cheese surface.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy and bubbly.
10. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for a healthier, dietary-friendly version.
• Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter mac and cheese without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations such as gruyère, fontina, or sharp white cheddar for unique flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 582 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg