Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where classic comfort food gets creamy perfection. This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese features tender elbow macaroni in a velvety cheddar sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs for irresistible crunch. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.

Ultra-creamy with stretchy cheese pull, ready in about 45 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

• Bechamel sauce creates smooth, lump-free base
• Multiple cheeses melt into perfect consistency
• Breadcrumb topping adds texture contrast
• Baking sets edges while keeping center creamy
• Scales easily for crowds

Ingredients & Prep

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or mozzarella
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• Topping: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni 1 minute less than package directions; drain.
3. Melt butter in saucepan over medium. Whisk in flour; cook 1-2 minutes until golden.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thickened (5-7 minutes), whisking constantly.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in 3 cups cheddar, Gruyere, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until smooth.
6. Fold in cooked macaroni. Pour half into baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar. Add rest of pasta.
7. Mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over top.
8. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil 2 minutes for extra crunch if desired.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate covered up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F with splash of milk. Freezes up to 2 months.

FAQs

Sauce grainy? Use freshly shredded cheese and low heat when melting.
Too dry? Add extra cream or milk before baking.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and 1:1 flour blend.

Conclusion

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese delivers gooey, golden comfort everyone craves. Creamy sauce, crispy top, pure nostalgia. Find more cheesy classics at dishfoody.com.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked this homemade mac and cheese features a rich cheddar sauce and golden breadcrumb topping for the ultimate comfort food.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
• 2. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• 3. In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
• 4. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
• 5. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
• 6. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted.
• 7. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well.
• 8. Pour into prepared baking dish.
• 9. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
• 10. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• 11. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use smoked cheddar for added depth of flavor.
• Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or jalapeños for variations.
• Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for meal prep.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: homemade baked mac and cheese, creamy macaroni and cheese, comfort food recipe