Let’s talk about pure comfort in a casserole dish! The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese features tender pasta blanketed in the creamiest, cheesiest sauce, then baked beneath a buttery, golden panko crust. With three cheeses swirled together, a whisper of garlic, and that classic baked finish, this dish always earns “oohs” and “aahs” at gatherings and family dinners alike. It’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for potlucks, making it the kind of mac and cheese you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is how much magic comes from these everyday ingredients. Each one is a superstar: some bring richness, some contribute that signature stretch, and others ensure every bite is packed with flavor and color.
- Elbow macaroni (1 lb): The classic shape holds sauce beautifully and bakes up perfectly tender every time.
- Unsalted butter (5 tbsp): This forms the base of the luscious cheese sauce and adds buttery depth.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Just enough to create a roux, thickening the sauce without making it heavy.
- Whole milk (3 cups): The lovable workhorse behind the sauce’s creaminess and subtle sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Kicks the richness up a notch for that signature silky texture.
- Salt (1 tsp): Seasons the pasta and sauce so every flavor shines through.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle warmth and balances the creaminess.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Subtle but essential; it rounds out all those cheese flavors.
- Dry mustard (1/2 tsp, optional): This is the secret weapon for classic tang—try it if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (3 cups): The backbone of mac and cheese—it delivers bold flavor and beautiful color.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): For ooey-gooey, stringy goodness in every forkful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds nutty depth and a savory finish.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup, for topping): Provides a light, irresistible crispness.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp, for topping): Ensures the crumbs bake up golden and delicious.
- Paprika (1/4 tsp, for topping): Just a sprinkle for subtle smoky color.
How to Make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of butter or cooking spray. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente—remember, it will keep cooking in the oven, so don’t go overboard. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt your 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes; you’re forming a smooth, pale roux that will thicken your sauce without any floury aftertaste. Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly. Keep going until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—about 5 minutes of gentle simmering and stirring.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Cheese
Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard (if using). Take the pan off the heat and stir in your cheeses: first cheddar for that classic tang, then mozzarella for melt, and finally Parmesan for a hint of savory depth. The sauce should transform into a velvety, cheesy dream—don’t be surprised if you want to taste-test it straight from the pot!
Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Sauce
Pour the cooked macaroni right into the pot of cheese sauce. Gently fold until each piece is coated in that golden sauce. This is where the magic of The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese really comes together—each noodle gets its own cheesy hug!
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Spoon your cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and paprika, stirring until the crumbs are nicely coated and tinged red by the paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top—this is what gives that signature bakery-fresh crunch when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish onto the center rack of your oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be bubbling and deeply golden brown, with little pockets of cheese peeking through. Once out of the oven, let it rest for at least 5 minutes; this makes it easier to scoop and helps every portion hold its shape beautifully.
How to Serve The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds color, while an extra dusting of grated Parmesan can take the umami up a notch. If you want some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a fun twist—just scatter them over the top before serving!
Side Dishes
This creamy classic plays well with almost anything. Serve it beside a bright green salad tossed in vinaigrette or pair it with roasted veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. For heartier dinners, accompany it with barbecue, fried chicken, or simply enjoy it as the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the mac and cheese into oven-safe ramekins for individual portions—they’re crowd-pleasers at parties! Or, pack it into muffin tins for adorable mac and cheese “cups.” Feeling bold? Top it with crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of hot honey for flavor that pops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese will keep in the fridge for up to four days, and it reheats beautifully for next-day lunches or snack attacks.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well! Cool leftovers completely, portion as desired, then wrap tightly or use a freezer container. It’ll be your new freezer favorite for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Simply reheat portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For larger amounts, cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout—about 20 minutes. The crispy topping springs right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are the classic trio, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Colby, or even a touch of blue cheese for a bolder twist. Just make sure to keep the overall quantity the same for the perfect sauce consistency.
Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy cream?
The combination gives you both richness and a luxurious texture, but if you’re in a pinch, all milk or a mix of milk and half-and-half will also produce a deliciously creamy dish. The cream just elevates The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese to next-level comfort.
How can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the mac and cheese up through adding the topping, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, uncover and bake, adding 5-10 minutes to make sure it’s heated through. The topping will still come out crisp and golden.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. Many stores also carry gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, so you can still enjoy that crispy topping.
What’s the best way to get an extra cheesy pull?
For cheese lovers, layer a few cubes of Velveeta, Monterey Jack, or even more mozzarella between the pasta and topping. As it bakes, these pockets melt and create that signature, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves from The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you taste The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s the recipe friends and family beg for, and it truly captures what we all crave in a comfort food classic: love, warmth, and plenty of cheese. Grab your apron, gather your favorite people, and enjoy every gooey, golden forkful!
Print
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 sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard (optional)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prep macaroni: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted. Combine with macaroni.
- Prepare the topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika.
- Assemble and bake: Pour mac and cheese mixture into dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden brown.
- Let sit and serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add cubed Velveeta or Monterey Jack.
- You can make it ahead—just cover and refrigerate before baking, then add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
