The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to brighten up your table, The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is truly a game-changer. Creamy, loaded with gooey cheese, and topped with a golden, buttery panko crust, this mac and cheese is rich in flavor and texture. Each bite delivers an irresistible combination of silky cheese sauce and tender pasta, finished with just the right kick of savory crunch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a little food hug, this recipe is the one you’ll come back to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of classic ingredients turn into something so magical! Each element here has a delicious role, building up the flavor and texture that will make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese unforgettable.
- Elbow macaroni (16 oz): These little tubes are perfect for holding all that luscious cheese sauce in every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Tossing the pasta with oil keeps it from sticking before it meets the cheese sauce.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): The base of a rich roux and the secret to velvety texture.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Whisked with butter to thicken the cheese sauce just right.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, mellow cheese sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): For an extra luxurious, rich finish you’ll love.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (4 cups, fresh shredded): The big bold flavor star—always shred it fresh for best melt and taste.
- Gruyere cheese (2 cups, fresh shredded): Adds a nutty, melty depth you don’t want to skip.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A pinch of each brings everything together; taste as you go!
- Panko bread crumbs (1½ cups): Light and crunchy, these make the crispy golden topping unforgettable.
- Melted butter (4 tablespoons): Toss with the panko for a richer, more flavorful crust.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, shredded): For a savory, salty bite in every spoonful of the topping.
- Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and gorgeous color—regular paprika works too.
How to Make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting the stage for cheesy greatness! Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are, then grease a large 3- or 4-quart baking dish lightly. This keeps cleanup easy and lets you focus on the best part—layering and baking all that cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your macaroni and cook it just one minute less than al dente—remember, it will finish in the oven. Drain well and toss with a splash of olive oil in a large bowl so the noodles stay separate and ready for the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a deep saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or so until it forms a paste that’s slightly golden. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to keep things smooth and lump-free, letting the mixture gently bubble and thicken, about 3–5 minutes. Now slowly add your cheddar (in batches!) and the Gruyere, whisking until they melt into dreamy, creamy sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste—you’ll know it’s ready when it’s silky and coats the back of your spoon.
Step 4: Combine
Bring together the pasta and cheese sauce by folding them gently in the saucepan (or your biggest bowl). Stir until every noodle is beautifully coated, creating the creamy base that makes The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese truly irresistible.
Step 5: Layer
Spoon half the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle it generously with half of the reserved Gruyere and cheddar. Add the rest of the pasta, and top with another layer of that amazing cheese blend. These layers melt together for extra decadence in every single serving.
Step 6: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the panko, shredded Parmesan, melted butter, and smoked paprika. This combo not only adds texture, but also infuses a hint of smoky flavor and gorgeous color on top of the cheesy bake. Sprinkle it evenly across the top—trust me, you don’t want to miss a single bite of this crust!
Step 7: Bake
Bake the dish uncovered for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden, bubbling cheese and a crispy topping that’s beautifully browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before scooping — the hardest part is waiting, but it helps everything settle perfectly!
How to Serve The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brings a pop of color and freshness, while a dash of extra smoked paprika or even sliced green onion over the top gives a little flair. For a decadent touch, a dusting of black pepper or a few crispy bacon bits will make it even more crave-worthy.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese goes with so many sides! Try it with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. It even pairs wonderfully with barbecue classics or juicy roasted chicken at larger gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese family-style straight from the bubbling baking dish, or portion it into individual ramekins for dinner parties. For potlucks, scoop into sturdy muffin cups for mac and cheese “bites”—always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mac and cheese stores beautifully! Cool any extras, then cover your baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready to become tomorrow’s cozy lunch or a quick dinner side.
Freezing
If you want to prep The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese in advance, assemble it (don’t bake!), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the usual bake time as needed until heated through and bubbling.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep the cheese moist. If it’s a single portion, the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk or cream, cover, and heat gently to revive that signature creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, shells, cavatappi, or penne work well too—pick something tubular or ridged to hold maximum cheese sauce.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Absolutely! The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese shines with cheddar and Gruyere, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, fontina, or even a little mozzarella for your own twist. Just remember: always shred fresh for best melt!
How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?
The key is gentle heat and incremental cheese addition. Remove the sauce from direct heat before adding cheese, and whisk in small handfuls at a time for the smoothest result.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. You can also find gluten-free panko for the topping—same great taste, just a bit friendlier for all guests.
Can I make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the breadcrumb topping right before baking and allow a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s starting out cold.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, it’s bound to become your go-to recipe for holidays, parties, and weeknight comfort alike. Don’t wait for a special occasion—whip up this crowd-pleaser and see everyone light up with the first cheesy bite!
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The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 50 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 topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta, cooked one minute shy of al dente)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Cheese Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese (freshly shredded)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and coat with olive oil.
- Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce – Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, then cheese until smooth.
- Step 4: Combine – Mix pasta into cheese sauce.
- Step 5: Layer – Alternate pasta and cheese in baking dish.
- Step 6: Make the Topping – Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, butter, and paprika; sprinkle over mac and cheese.
- Step 7: Bake – Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese blend to suit your taste.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or vegetables for extra flavor.
- For a crispy topping, broil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheese Pasta
