Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Comfort in a Dish

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delectable baked mac and cheese recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, this dish delivers a mouthwatering experience from the first bite.

Layers of perfectly cooked pasta meld seamlessly with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that bubbles and browns to crispy perfection.

Every forkful brings a nostalgic warmth that transports you to cherished dinner memories.

The secret lies in selecting high-quality cheeses and allowing them to create a luxurious, melted harmony.

Sharp cheddar, creamy gruyère, and a touch of parmesan combine to create an unbeatable flavor profile.

This recipe transforms a classic side dish into a show-stopping main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this ultimate comfort food and let the cheesy magic unfold on your plate.

Instructions for Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Comfort Cheese Dream

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the kitchen heat to get everything toasty and ready for deliciousness.

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a generous sprinkle of salt and cook macaroni until soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside, giving a quick toss with a touch of butter.

• Creamy Sauce Foundation

Melt butter in a skillet, slowly whisking in flour until it transforms into a golden mixture. Pour in milk gradually, stirring continuously to create a silky smooth base.

• Cheese Transformation

Fold in a combination of sharp and mellow cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce. Season with a dash of spices that will make taste buds dance.

• Pasta and Sauce Union

Gently mix the velvety cheese sauce with cooked pasta, ensuring every noodle gets a loving coat of cheesy goodness.

• Crispy Topping Adventure

Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter across the top, creating a golden, crunchy landscape that will add exciting texture.

• Baking Magic

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to bubble with cheesy excitement.

Tips to Customize Your Baked Mac and Cheese

• Add diced jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, or caramelized onions to introduce extra layers of flavor and texture to your classic mac and cheese.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld and makes meal prep a breeze for busy cooks.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising on creamy deliciousness.
• Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet with herbs like thyme or rosemary before sprinkling on top for an extra-crunchy and aromatic golden crust that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese at Any Meal

• Family Dinner Star: Perfectly pairs with a crisp green salad and tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese. The fresh vegetables add a light, refreshing contrast to the indulgent pasta dish.
• Comfort Food Companion: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled barbecue pork chops for a hearty meal that satisfies comfort food cravings. The protein complements the cheesy goodness and creates a well-rounded dinner experience.
• Game Day Sidekick: Transform this mac and cheese into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by portioning into small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. These individual servings work wonderfully for parties, potlucks, or game night gatherings where guests love easy-to-grab comfort food.
• Weekend Brunch Magic: Top with crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions just before serving to add extra flavor and visual appeal. This simple garnish elevates the dish and makes it feel like a special weekend treat that everyone will enjoy.

How to Reheat Baked Mac and Cheese Without Drying It

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate, but a quick stir will restore its delicious texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen mac and cheese stays good for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For larger batches, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the mac and cheese into individual serving containers before storing. This makes quick lunches or dinner sides super convenient and helps prevent unnecessary overeating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 675 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Baked Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Perfectly shaped pasta that captures creamy cheese sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Prevents pasta from sticking and adds rich flavor, select fresh unsalted butter for smooth coating.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Provides deep, complex flavor profile, select aged varieties for maximum taste intensity.
• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture, opt for organic dairy for superior richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Builds foundational sauce base, ensure fresh and high-fat content for smooth consistency.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste depth, use freshly ground pepper for vibrant flavor.
• Mustard Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Adds nuanced spice layers, choose high-quality ground spices for robust taste.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistible crispy golden topping, select Japanese-style breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Kitchen Tool to Nail Baked Mac and Cheese

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Skillet: Essential for making smooth béchamel sauce.
• Whisk: Key for blending sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta quickly and thoroughly.
• Medium baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking mac and cheese.
• Small mixing bowl: Great for preparing breadcrumb topping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir sauce and mix ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient amounts.

Velvety Mac and Cheese Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic mac and cheese brings comfort with creamy cheddar and sharp parmesan. Sharp cheeses and crispy breadcrumb topping deliver rich, satisfying flavors you’ll savor in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup (113 g) Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
• 1.25 cups (296 ml) heavy cream
• 0.75 cup (177 ml) milk
• 0.25 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.67 cup (52 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.5 tsp mustard powder
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.75 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp paprika powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tbsps (7.5 ml) olive oil or butter
• 0.25 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack to optimize golden, crispy topping development.
2. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until slightly under al dente. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3. Sauce Foundation: In a skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour, creating a smooth, golden-brown roux. Gradually pour milk and cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a luxurious, velvety sauce.
4. Flavor Infusion: Integrate mustard powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper into the sauce. Gradually blend sharp cheddar and Gruyère until a smooth, rich cheese sauce emerges.
5. Combining Elements: Thoroughly fold the cheese sauce into the prepared macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece is completely coated with the creamy mixture.
6. Topping and Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and salt, then sprinkle evenly across the surface. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then briefly broil to achieve a perfectly bronzed, crispy crust.

Notes

• Pasta Precision: Cook macaroni slightly under recommended time to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfectly textured final dish.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheeses fresh for smoother melting and richer flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Sauce Stability: Whisk roux continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth base, which is crucial for a creamy, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Topping Technique: Watch broiler carefully during final minutes to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, creating that irresistible crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg