If you’re on the hunt for a drool-worthy recipe that radiates pure comfort, look no further than The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. This dreamy, ultra-creamy classic features a blend of cheeses, a crunchy panko topping, and the kind of golden, bubbly edges that leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family gathering, a weeknight treat, or a cozy potluck, this mac and cheese always steals the spotlight and turns any meal into an occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese lies in simple, honest ingredients—each one plays a vital role in creating that irresistible velvety texture and deeply cheesy flavor. Don’t skip the details: freshly shredded cheese, creamy milk, and the right seasonings transform this into comfort food magic.
- Elbow macaroni (1 lb): The ultimate shape for holding onto that rich cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is extra flavorful.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Starts off the creamy roux and brings buttery richness to every mouthful.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): When whisked with butter, it creates the perfect base for a thick, silky cheese sauce.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Adds creaminess and body to the sauce for that luscious texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Takes the sauce to another level of richness and smoothness—it’s pure decadence.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors and balances the cheesiness so every bite sings.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle bite and depth you’ll taste in the background.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A sneaky hit of savory flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives color and a subtle smokiness to the sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (3 cups): The backbone of the cheese sauce for bold, classic flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, contributing stretch and gooeyness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers salty, nutty notes and adds depth to the blend.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The key to that irresistible crunchy golden topping.
- Olive oil or melted butter (1 tablespoon): Helps the breadcrumbs toast up perfectly in the oven.
How to Make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your mac and cheese won’t stick—plus, cleanup is way easier! Set out all your ingredients ahead of time to keep things smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and toss in the elbow macaroni. Cook it until just al dente—remember, it’ll finish cooking in the oven, so you want a little bite left. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on that glorious cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture looks golden and smells nutty (this is your flavor foundation!). Don’t rush this step—this is what helps give your sauce its signature creamy texture.
Step 4: Whisk in Dairy
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep things lump-free. You’ll instantly feel the mixture start to thicken. Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let everything simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously thick.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The sauce will get beautifully melty and gooey at this point—this is when you know you’re making The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese! Stir until fully combined and smooth, resisting the urge to sneak a taste (okay, maybe just a little!).
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to your cheese sauce and stir well to make sure every nook and cranny is coated. Pour the cheesy pasta into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer so it bakes up perfectly.
Step 7: Topping Time
In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your mac and cheese for epic, crunchy contrast.
Step 8: Bake It!
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling top with pockets of golden brown—trust me, your kitchen will smell like absolute heaven. Once it’s done, let it rest for about 5 minutes to set up before digging in. This wait is pure torture, but it’s worth it for perfect slices!
How to Serve The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
An extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green and a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. For a little zing, try a dusting of smoked paprika or even a light shake of hot sauce. It’s the small touches that turn The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, sautéed greens, or roasted veggies for balance. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve alongside roasted chicken or pulled pork for the ultimate comfort feast—everyone will be talking about your menu for days!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, bake portions in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This makes dinner parties or weeknight meals extra fun. Or, try serving it as a cheesy side at your next cookout—The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is just as striking on a picnic table as it is at your holiday spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked mac and cheese stores beautifully! Just let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Pop any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen and the sauce stays creamy, making it just as crave-worthy tomorrow.
Freezing
If you want to get a head start, you absolutely can freeze The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Assemble the dish but skip the baking step, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw in the fridge and bake as directed—you might need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it’s piping hot.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to their gooey best, cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For speedier results, zap single portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The topping stays surprisingly crunchy, and the cheese is just as dreamy as day one!
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! The classic combo here is cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, but feel free to mix in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a little smoked gouda for a twist on The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Just be sure your cheese melts well and packs big flavor.
What if I don’t have panko crumbs?
No panko? Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, or you can crush up crackers or even cornflakes for a unique, crunchy topping. It’s all about texture on top of all that cheesy goodness!
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in the roux. There are even gluten-free panko crumbs out there to keep the topping crispy!
How can I add more flavor?
Spice things up by stirring in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce, or fold in crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or roasted veggies for extra depth. These little personal touches are what make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese truly your own.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely! Assemble everything a day ahead up until the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate. When it’s go-time, just add the topping and bake as directed. This make-ahead trick is a lifesaver for holidays and busy weeknights alike.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese coming out of the oven, filling your home with that irresistible, cheesy aroma. Give this recipe a go and prepare for happy faces at your table—it’s a food hug from the inside out!
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The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Simmer until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted.
- Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add topping and bake: Combine panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or butter, sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt and texture.
- Enhance with cayenne, bacon, or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
