Description
This Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made from scratch with elbow macaroni, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and a flavorful homemade cheese sauce. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, this dish is an ideal family favorite and a satisfying side or main meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every piece. Pour the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, toss breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for richer sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated covered to maintain moisture.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for additional flavor and texture variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
