Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Making this dish from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that everything is fresh and free from preservatives. Plus, it’s a fun and straightforward recipe that anyone can tackle, whether you’re an experienced chef or just getting started in the kitchen. Imagine a gooey, cheesy pasta dish with a crispy topping that will impress family and friends alike.

How to Make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry macaroni pasta
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups Half and Half
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
• 3 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup panko
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

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Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing a baking dish makes it easier to remove the mac and cheese later, so take a moment to thoroughly grease a 9 x 13 (3 Qt) baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter. Set it aside for later.

2. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and seasoned salt. This will give your dish a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese inside. Set this bowl aside so the flavors can meld.

3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, but remember to drain it about 2 minutes early, as it will finish cooking in the oven. This is key to avoiding mushy pasta later. After cooking, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil or a bit of butter over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together. Toss to coat.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Now, let’s make the creamy cheese sauce! In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the stick of butter without letting it brown. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together with the butter. This creates a roux, which will help thicken your cheese sauce. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly.

5. Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually add in the whole milk, pouring it in a thin, steady stream while continuously whisking. After that, add the Half and Half in the same way. You want to stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

6. Season the Sauce: Next, add the black pepper, pinch of nutmeg, garlic powder, and dried mustard to the sauce. Keep stirring over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. This will take about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll know your sauce is ready when it coats the back of a wooden spoon, and you can draw a path with your finger through it.

7. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Now it’s time to add the cheeses! Start with the sharp cheddar, stirring it into the sauce until it melts completely. Repeat the process with the white cheddar, mixing in small increments until all the cheese is dissolved. Finally, add the Gruyere cheese and mix until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be deliciously thick and velvety.

8. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheesy sauce into the large bowl of cooked pasta. Mix well until every piece of macaroni is coated in that luscious cheese sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

9. Bake the Mac and Cheese: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top into an even layer with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the panko topping across the surface. Now, pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. If the top isn’t golden and crispy enough, place the dish under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly!

10. Let it Rest: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will give the cheese time to set a bit, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese can be enjoyed as a hearty main dish or a delightful side. Serve it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal or pair it with grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a comforting feast. Consider garnish options like fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for an appealing presentation.

How to Store Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

If you have leftovers — though that’s rare with such a delicious dish! — allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it. To freeze, lay it flat in a freezer-safe container for easy storage. It should be good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.

Tips to Make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

• Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Using a variety of cheeses gives the dish depth and flavor. Experiment with different cheese combinations like Fontina or Gouda for a unique taste.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cooking the pasta just before it’s al dente is crucial, as it will absorb more cheese sauce while baking and won’t turn mushy.
• Add More Flavor: Consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for additional nutrition and flavor.
• Breadcrumbs Options: If you want a different texture or taste, use crushed crackers or different types of breadcrumbs like garlic or herb-flavored varieties.

Variations

• Spicy Mac and Cheese: Incorporate diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Truffle Mac and Cheese: Drizzle some truffle oil into your cheese sauce for an earthy flavor that takes the dish up a notch.
• Mac and Cheese with Meat: Mix in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a heartier version that’s perfect as a main dish.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the dry macaroni pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package.

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Is it possible to use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook your mac and cheese in a slow cooker! Prepare the cheese sauce as instructed, mix it with the cooked pasta, and transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until hot and bubbly.

What can I serve with Homemade Mac and Cheese?

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese pairs well with salads, fried chicken, or even BBQ meats. It’s versatile enough to complement any meal.

Enjoy your journey of creating the ultimate comfort dish with this Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

A classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious, perfect for both kids and adults.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound dry macaroni pasta
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups Half and Half
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
• 3 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup panko
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter.
2. Prepare the topping by mixing the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasoned salt.
3. Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, draining it 2 minutes early.
4. Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux.
5. Add whole milk and Half and Half gradually while whisking until smooth.
6. Season the sauce with black pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, and dried mustard, cooking until simmering.
7. Melt the cheeses into the sauce until fully combined and creamy.
8. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce and mix well.
9. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle the topping evenly, and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skimp on the cheese; try different cheese combinations for unique flavors. Cooking pasta until al dente is crucial to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni, comfort food, vegetarian