The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights. Featuring elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce made from cheddar and mozzarella, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. Easy to prepare with staple ingredients, highly customizable, and ideal for making ahead and freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened into a creamy sauce. Add 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine thoroughly. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the baked mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set and develop the best texture before serving.
Notes
- For richer flavor, try mixing in cheeses such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky twist.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for added color and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor versus pre-shredded options.
- Don’t overcook the pasta as it continues cooking in the oven.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food, cheese sauce, breadcrumb topping, cheesy pasta bake
