The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Pure Comfort Gold

Creamy, dreamy mac and cheese has been my ultimate comfort food since childhood.

Memories of my grandmother’s secret baked mac and cheese recipe still make me smile.

Her incredible dish always brought warmth to our kitchen table.

Perfectly golden, crispy edges blended with smooth, rich cheese that melted into every single pasta curve.

cheese lovers understand this isn’t just another side dish – it’s pure culinary magic.

Sharp cheddar and smooth gruyere create a luxurious blend that will transform your dinner.

I promise this recipe will become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Why The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Is A Classic

• Indulge in Creamy Comfort: This mac and cheese wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug with its luxurious blend of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan that melts into a silky-smooth sauce.
• Crisp and Crunchy Topping: The golden panko breadcrumb layer adds an irresistible textural contrast, delivering a satisfying crunch with every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy families craving a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Cheesy Delight: Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like Dijon mustard and paprika, this recipe allows you to put your personal spin on a classic comfort food that everyone will love.

What You’ll Need For The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, quick cooking and iconic choice for mac and cheese.

• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, complex cheese blend providing deep flavor and smooth melting texture, sharp cheddar works best.
• Butter: Creates rich base for cheese sauce, adds luxurious flavor and helps thicken sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth consistency, prevents lumpy texture.
• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Provides creamy, velvety base for cheese sauce, whole milk ensures rich flavor.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and complexity to cheese sauce, enhances overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides subtle background flavor, convenient alternative to fresh ingredients.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and highlighting other flavors.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden crust on mac and cheese, light and airy texture.
• Paprika: Optional garnish adding color and mild smoky flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for color and brightness.

How To Bake The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

• Fill a large pot with water
• Add a generous pinch of salt
• Bring water to a rolling boil
• Drop in pasta
• Cook until tender but still slightly firm
• Drain pasta in a colander
• Set aside

Step 2: Craft Velvety Cheese Sauce

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Gruyere cheese
• Parmesan cheese

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
• Sprinkle flour and whisk vigorously
• Pour milk and cream slowly
• Stir continuously until sauce thickens
• Add seasonings
• Remove from heat
• Fold in cheese blend until silky smooth

Step 3: Marry Pasta and Sauce

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Combine pasta and cheese sauce
• Mix until every pasta piece is luxuriously coated

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika (optional)

• Mix topping ingredients in a bowl
• Sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese
• Ensure complete coverage

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Place dish in preheated oven
• Bake until top turns golden brown
• Edges should look crispy and delightful

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Let mac and cheese rest for few minutes
• Garnish with fresh herbs
• Scoop onto plates
• Prepare for deliciousness!

Tips For The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Choose the Right Pasta: Select elbow macaroni or short pasta shapes that hold cheese sauce well, creating the perfect creamy texture in every bite.
• Master the Roux Technique: Carefully cook flour and butter together to eliminate raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth, velvety cheese sauce without lumps.
• Cheese Blend Magic: Combine multiple cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyere, and tangy Parmesan for a complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the classic dish.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan to create a golden, crunchy layer that adds delightful texture and extra flavor to the mac and cheese.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make the recipe accessible for different dietary needs.

How To Store And Reheat The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a splash of milk to prevent dryness, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a small amount of milk to maintain creamy texture.

Good Pairings For The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce, balancing the dish's heaviness with its bright, acidic notes.
• Match with Refreshing Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, fresh contrast to the indulgent mac and cheese.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted broccoli or asparagus to add a nutritious, slightly charred element that complements the dish's creamy texture.
• Complement with Dry Amber Ale: A hoppy craft beer like an amber ale offers a malty, slightly bitter undertone that enhances the cheese's complex flavors and provides a satisfying counterpoint.

Fun Variations For The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap some cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
• Smoky Bacon Lovers' Version: Mix crispy bacon bits into the cheese sauce and sprinkle more on the breadcrumb topping. Add a touch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Fold roasted broccoli, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms into the mac and cheese. Use a blend of sharp white cheddar and gouda for richer taste.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach. Top with herbed breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

FAQs On The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Why use multiple types of cheese in this mac and cheese recipe?

Different cheeses provide layers of flavor and complexity. Cheddar offers sharpness, Gruyere adds nuttiness, and Parmesan brings a salty, tangy depth that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.

• Can I make this mac and cheese recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. Make sure your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free. The recipe’s core techniques remain the same.

• How can I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off the heat and stir gently. Remove the pan from the stove before incorporating cheese, and add it slowly while continuously stirring. Using room temperature cheese helps create a smoother sauce.

• Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard in the recipe?

While optional, Dijon mustard adds subtle depth and helps emulsify the cheese sauce. It enhances the overall flavor without making the dish taste like mustard. If you don’t have Dijon, you can skip it without significantly impacting the recipe.

The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy mac and cheese brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, melding sharp cheddar with smooth gruyère in a luscious sauce. Crispy breadcrumb topping and pure love make this classic American dish irresistible for hungry souls craving homemade warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta

Cheese and Dairy:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in a generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
2. Create a silky cheese foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate flour and whisk vigorously, allowing the mixture to develop a nutty aroma for approximately two minutes.
3. Gradually introduce milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer the mixture, stirring attentively until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Enhance the sauce’s depth by blending Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and gradually fold in cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
5. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking. Combine the pasta with the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated.
6. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Craft a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika. Sprinkle this golden mixture across the surface, promising a delightful crunch.
8. Bake until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the edges bubble enticingly, typically 20-25 minutes.
9. Allow the dish to rest for five minutes, permitting the sauce to settle and flavors to meld. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or an additional sprinkle of cheese before serving.

Notes

• Select high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyere for a robust, complex flavor profile that elevates the classic mac and cheese.
• Cook pasta just shy of package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfectly tender texture when the dish is complete.
• Create a silky smooth cheese sauce by gradually adding milk and whisking constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy consistency.
• Experiment with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 536
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 581 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg